Mark Haggard, NewsChannel 15 Sports Reporter/Anchor, brings 33 years of experience to NewsChannel 15.
Barrett Kleinknecht has played only six games with the Lynchburg Hillcats. The former West Florence High and Francis Marion University star is making quite a splash with the Atlanta Braves minor league affiliate. Sunday, the Hillcats beat the Myrtle Beach Pelicans 5-3 before a crowd of more than 5,000 fans at BB&T Coastal Field in Myrtle Beach. Kleinknecht had two hits and drove in two runs for the Hillcats.
Kleinknecht played the first 30 games of the season with the Rome Braves in the South Atlantic League. He hit four homers with 15 RBI and was promoted to Lynchburg. Kleinknecht is listed as a first baseman. But he's a solid utility player. Sunday he started at third base. The Pee Dee product told NewsChannel 15 that his ability to play several positions could be his ticket to the Major Leagues one day, "I'm loving it. It's great to hear fans cheering for you especially when you're on the road."
