Sands’ HR in 8th powers Knights

A .200 hitter provided the big blow for the Charlotte Knights Saturday night.

Jerry Sands hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to break a tie and send the Charlotte Knights to a 6-5 victory over the Norfolk Tides at BB&T BallPark.

The Knights had only six hits but made the most of them. Sands’ blast came one out after Norfolk pitcher Oliver Drake walked the Knights’ first two batters, Jake Peter and Jason Coats.

Norfolk rallied with two runs in the top of the ninth, but Juan Minaya retired Daniel Alvarez with runners on first and second to end the game and earn his first save.

The teams conclude their three-game series at 5:05 p.m. on Sunday. Charlotte’s Anthony Ranaudo (6-3, 2.94 ERA) faces Joe Gunkel (6-9, 3.87).

This story was originally published August 6, 2016 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Sands’ HR in 8th powers Knights."