Smith’s 3-for-3 night helps Penny, Charlotte Knights win

A strong night from the Charlotte battery led to an 8-4 Class AAA International League baseball victory over the Toledo Mud Hens on Saturday night, as right-hander Brad Penny went six solid innings and catcher Kevan Smith delivered a 3-for-3 night at the plate.

Smith led an offense that tallied eight runs and 11 hits – both game-highs for this road trip. The catcher accounted for five of the team’s eight runs, tallying three RBIs and scoring twice.

Brad Penny (2-3, 6.17 ERA) allowed two runs on scattering seven. His six innings were his longest outing this season, and the victory snapped the team’s five-game losing streak.

The Knights jumped to an early lead against Tim Mellville (1-4, 5.93), scoring a two runs in the second inning. Smith drove in the pair with his first triple of the season.

The Mud Hens were able to pull even in the third inning, but it could’ve been worse if not for a great throw by left fielder Jason Coats, catching Xavier Avery as he attempted to score on a would-be sacrifice fly to end the inning.

The Knights responded with three runs in the top fourth inning. Engel Beltre put Charlotte ahead 3-2 with a single. Smith then delivered his third RBI with a sacrifice fly. Beltre later pushed the lead to 5-2 when he scored on a Coats double.

Smith’s single in the sixth began a two-out rally. Coats and Leury Garcia followed with singles, and Smith would score on Garcia’s line drive to right for a 6-2 lead.

The Knights (15-13) and Mud Hens (11-17) will wrap up the series atr 2 p.m. Sunday.

This story was originally published May 10, 2015 at 1:20 AM with the headline "Smith’s 3-for-3 night helps Penny, Charlotte Knights win."