BY DAN GLICKMAN
The Rochester Red Wings won their second straight game at the Charlotte Knights on Wednesday, riding five home runs to a 13-8 victory. Meanwhile, the team may soon get a new player in the form of outfielder Christian Franklin, who the Nationals have acquired in a deal with the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Michael Soroka.
On the field, the Red Wings (40-61, 13-16 in the second half) were led by two-home run nights from both left fielder Nick Schnell and catcher Francisco Mejia, while center fielder Andrew Pinckney also contributed a homer. Mejia finished the night 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored, while Schnell went 2-for-4 three RBI, a walk, and four runs scored. Right-fielder Robert Hassell III also had two hits, including a double. Designated hitter Dylan Crews, continuing his rehab stint, went 0-for-2 with a walk, stealing a base and then later coming around to score a run.
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The Red Wings took the lead early, as a Yohandy Morales single and Schnell’s first home run in the opening frame gave them a 3-0 lead against former Met Noah Syndergaard. Although the Knights (49-54, 13-15 in the second half) struck back with a run in the second, Schnell took it right back with a solo shot in the fourth to make it 4-1. A three-run fifth extended the lead to 7-1, and while the Knights would ultimately chase starter Bryce Conley from the game before scoring five more runs off the Red Wings bullpen, they could never close the distance.
Seth Shuman (3-4) earned the win in relief, going 1.1 hitless innings in relief of Conley.
Off the field, the major news was the trade of pitcher Michael Soroka to the Chicago. Soroka, who had a brief rehab stint with Rochester earlier this season, was sent to Wrigleyville for two prospects: shortstop Ronny Cruz and outfielder Christian Franklin. Cruz, the now-former No. 13 prospect in the Cubs system, is an 18-year-old in the low minors who is likely years away from any possible stint in Rochester. Franklin, the now-former No. 14 prospect for Chicago, has been playing in AAA Iowa and may join the Red Wings in the coming days, although no official announcements have been made. A fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft after playing for the University of Arkansas, MLB Pipeline notes that Franklin is known for good plate discipline and good defense from the corner outfielder spots, but inconsistent offensive play is a concern. In Iowa this season, Franklin has hit .265 with a .393 OBP and .427 slugging while hitting eight home runs in 86 games.
The Red Wings continue their Charlotte series on Thursday at 7:04 p.m. As of Wednesday night, Cade Cavalli was scheduled to start for Rochester against Charlotte’s Bryse Wilson.
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