The Charlotte Knights defeated the Gwinnett Braves 10-1 on Saturday night at Gwinnett Stadium, but the G-Braves still managed to clinch the wild card spot from the International League’s Southern Division for the Governor’s Cup playoffs. The G-Braves fall to 79-63 while the Knights improve to 67-74 on the season.

The Triple-A G-Braves open the playoffs against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees at 7 p.m. Wednesday night at Gwinnett Stadium in Lawrenceville.

In the series opener against the Knights, Charlotte scored six times in the second inning to jump out to an early 6-0 lead. The inning included a two-run double from Andy Cannizaro and was capped with a two-run home run from Charlotte center fielder Kent Gerst.

Gwinnett scored its lone run in the third inning when Alvin Colina singled home Chris Burke. Burke led off the inning with a double to left field. But the G-Braves recorded only two other hits the rest of the way.

G-Braves’ starter Ryne Reynoso, making his Triple-A debut, was charged with the loss after allowing six runs in five innings. He is now 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA.

Making his first start for Charlotte, Knights’ starter Brandon Hynick held Gwinnett to just one run in seven innings for his first win in the International League this season. Hynick was 10-9 with a 3.83 ERA in 26 starts for Triple-A Colorado Springs (Colorado Rockies).

Gwinnett catcher Alvin Colina had two hits for Gwinnett. In his Triple-A debut, Jason Heyward finished the game hitless with a walk.

Gwinnett and Charlotte will play the second game in the three-game series on Sunday at Gwinnett Stadium. The G-Braves will send LHP Jo-Jo Reyes (4-2, 3.00 ERA) to the mound to face the Knights’ RHP John Van Benschoten (2-7, 6.29 ERA). First pitch on Sunday is scheduled for 2 p.m.