SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The Knights hit the road to open the season at San Francisco for a four-game set against the Dons. Day one consisted of a doubleheader that resulted in a game one loss of 4-2 and a game two win of 5-4. FDU starts the season at 1-1.
Game 1 Breakdown:
Despite getting an early lead in the first inning, FDU could not find an answer to San Francisco's offense. Leading off the first,
Joan Sosa was able to find opportunity to get on base from a hit by pitch which
Brian Sanders was able to cash in on with a fielder's choice that scored Sosa.
The Dons were able to grab two insurance runs in the fourth inning to extend their lead to 4-1 which the Knights were able to threaten in the seventh with the help of
Brelon Harden and
Zack Will. Harden kept a selective eye at the plate and drew a walk that he was able to follow up with a steal as he advanced to second base. Continuing the trend of smart base-running, Harden was able to capitalize on a wild pitch that moved him to third base. Will drove Harden in with a double but that was the extent of scoring for the Knights in game one as they closed out the contest with a 4-2 loss.
Ben Avila, Harden and Will managed to pick up the only hits for the Knights in game one.
Ben Pika and
Jake Simon came in out of the bullpen for a combined four innings without letting a run score. Despite a strong showing from the relievers, the Knights could not secure the win.
Game 2 Breakdown:
San Francisco jumped out in front in the third inning to grab a 2-0 lead which resulted off a fielder's choice and a wild pitch. The Knights were able to answer in the fourth with three runs to claim the lead.
Joey DiMotta was able to get on by a hit by pitch that opened the door for the Knights offense.
Justin Sierra reached on a fielder's choice that moved
Hunter D'Amato in for the second run of the inning that was followed by a sacrifice fly by Sanders that scored Harden.
With a late ninth inning surge to cushion the Knights lead, D'Amato and Sanders were able to score to extend their lead to 5-3. Despite San Francisco's own ninth inning push for runs, they ultimately could not pull off a comeback and resulted in a Knights win of 5-4.
Anthony Chiappetta, D'Amato, Sanders and Sierra were credited with all the hits tallied for the Knights in game two.
Patrick Gardner has a strong outing on the bump where he pitched six full innings with seven strikeouts with 21 batters faced.
Nicholas Feretic came in from the bullpen to finish the final three innings with only one run scored.
UP NEXT
The Knights return to action on Saturday, February 17 to continue their four-game series against San Francisco. First pitch is set for 10:05 a.m. (PST)/1:05 p.m. (ET).
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