Joe Thurston hit a three-run triple in the bottom of the seventh inning to lead the Gwinnett Braves to a 5-2 win over the Charlotte Knights on Monday at Coolray Field.
Thurston, who now has an RBI in four straight games, was caught in a rundown during the play, but jumped to the ground, his pursuer overran him and he darted to third base safely.
Troy Glaus began his Major League Baseball rehab assignment for the Atlanta Braves — one that finds him returning to his old position of third base — and finished 0-for-2 with 2 walks. First baseman Freddie Freeman went 2-for-2 with an RBI (81), knocking the 100th double of his four-year career. Reigning International League Batter of the Week, Matt Young, continued his hot streak, going 2-for-3 and stealing his 32nd base for Gwinnett (63-66).
Todd Redmond went six innings without yielding a run on four hits. He also walked one and struck out six batters, but didn’t factor in the decision in his quest to become the first G-Braves pitcher in franchise history to reach double-digit wins in a season. Craig Kimbrel worked a scoreless ninth for his 21st save.
Gwinnett continues its final homestand of the season with Game 2 of a three-game series against the Charlotte Knights at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday with Brandon Beachy (2-0, 2.89 ERA) taking the mound for Gwinnett against Brandon Hynick (1-3, 6.64 ERA).