The G-Braves fell Saturday night in the first of a four-game home-and-home, 8-5, against the Charlotte Knights at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, S.C. With the loss, Gwinnett (69-59) remains five games behind the Durham Bulls in the division and 3 1/2 behind Lehigh Valley in the wild card race.

Right-hander Steven Shell (2-4) picked up the loss. He pitched three innings, allowing six hits and seven earned runs.

Starting pitcher Erik Cordier left the game in the first inning after a line drive hit him in his right arm.

Third baseman Diory Hernandez went 2 for 4 and drove in a run, while designated hitter Wes Helms, in his first game with the Braves since 2002, went 2 for 4 with a walk.

The G-Braves and Knights will continue the series today at 2:05 p.m. in Charlotte.