Gwinnett Shut Out Again as Durham Clinches IL Second-Half Title

Stripers manage just three hits in 3-0 loss to Bulls

Adam Kolarek was the last of five Stripers' relievers to follow starter AJ Smith-Shawver. (Matthew Caldwell)

By Jack Johnson (@jackjohnson25)

September 22, 2023

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – For the second time in three games, the Gwinnett Stripers (68-78) were held scoreless by the Durham Bulls (88-60) in a 3-0 loss on Friday night at Coolray Field. With the win, Durham clinched the International League second-half title. Decisive Plays: Ruben Cardenas helped Durham break a

Decisive Plays: Ruben Cardenas helped Durham break a scoreless tie with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. A Niko Hulsizer RBI sacrifice fly made it 2-0 in the seventh. The Bulls scored once more in the ninth to go up 3-0.

Key Contributors: Ehire Adrianza (1-for-4, double) had the only Gwinnett extra-base hit of the game. For Durham, Austin Shenton (2-for-2, 3 BB) was not kept off base while Hulsizer (0-for-1, RBI, 3 BB) and Cardenas (0-for-3, RBI) each had sacrifice flies.

Noteworthy: The Stripers used three pitchers on MLB rehab assignments, including Colin McHugh (2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 SO), Nick Anderson (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO) and Daysbel Hernandez (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO) in successive innings. With the loss guaranteeing a Durham win in the series, the Stripers will finish with 10 series wins, 11 series losses, and five series splits in 21 series played this season.

Next Game (Saturday, September 23): Gwinnett vs. Durham 6:05 p.m. ET at Coolray Field. Broadcast: 5:50 p.m. ET on MyCountry993.com and Bally Live. The Stripers are giving away the popular Xolos de Gwinnett Sugar Skull Bobbleheads (presented by Georgia Power) to the first 1.500 fans.