Matt Davidson hits 20th HR in Charlotte Knights’ loss

Matt Davidson launched his 20th home run of the season, but the Columbus Clippers beat the Charlotte Knights 10-6 on Monday in the opening game of their three-game series. The home run moved Davidson into a tie for the International League lead with Durham’s J.P. Arencibia.

Columbus starter Toru Murata (13-4, 2.96) allowed three runs on six hits over five innings and earned his International League leading 13th win of the season. The Japanese native walked two and struck out six batters.

The Clippers’ Tyler Naquin homered and Jesus Aguilar ripped a game-high four hits. Aguilar scored four runs with three RBIs, while Naquin launched his sixth home run of the season in the three-run first inning against Charlotte starter Scott Carroll (5-4, 3.80), who was charged with the loss. Carroll allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits over five innings.

The Knights scored their first three runs in the top of the second inning thanks to an RBI double by Tyler Colvin and a two-run single off the bat of Ethan Wilson.

Davidson led off the eighth inning with his team-high 20th home run of the season and the 120th of his minor league career. Davidson has recorded at least 20 home runs in each of the past five seasons.

Catcher Rob Brantly followed Davidson’s home run in the eighth inning with a solo home run of his own, his third of the season with the Knights. One inning later, Leury Garcia added his second home run of the season. The Knights lead the International League with 115 home runs.

The teams conclude their two-game series on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. RHP Erik Johnson (9-8, 2.45) will get the nod for the Knights against Columbus RHP Will Roberts (2-2, 3.27).

This story was originally published August 17, 2015 at 10:57 PM with the headline "Matt Davidson hits 20th HR in Charlotte Knights’ loss."