Stripers Outlast Charlotte in 12 Innings on Opening Night

Charlotte, NC – Abraham Almonte ripped a go-ahead RBI double and scored the eventual game-winning run on an error as the Gwinnett Stripers (1-0) held on for a wild 10-9 win over the Charlotte Knights (0-1) in 12 innings on Opening Night at Truist Field.

Decisive Play: *In the top of the 12th, Almonte’s double into the left-field corner off Tyler Johnson (L, 0-1) scored *Travis Demeritte from second base to give the Stripers a 9-8 advantage. With two outs in the inning, Almonte scored from third on a throwing error by Charlotte second baseman Matt Reynolds to make it 10-8. That run proved pivotal as Seby Zavala’s RBI single brought the Knights to within a run at 10-9 in the bottom of the 12th. Dylan Lee (W, 1-0) struck out Mikie Mahtook to end the game, stranding Zavala.

Key Contributors: Demeritte went 3-for-6 with a home run (1) and five RBIs to help the Stripers overcome a 7-3 deficit and take a temporary 8-7 lead in the seventh. Ryan Goins also homered for Gwinnett (1) as part of a 2-for-5 effort. After a short Triple-A debut for Kyle Muller (ND, 3.0 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 6 ER), five Gwinnett relievers combined to allow two runs (one earned) on three hits over the final 9.0 innings. Gavin Sheets went 2-for-5 with a homer (1) and four RBIs for Charlotte.

Streaks & Stats: *With the win, Gwinnett improved to 8-4 all-time on Opening Night, including 4-2 on the road and 4-0 when facing Charlotte. New Stripers manager *Matt Tuiasosopo earned his first career Triple-A managerial win. The game was the Stripers’ first in 604 days dating back to September 7, 2019 at Columbus.

Next Game (Wednesday, May 5): *Gwinnett at Charlotte, 7:04 p.m. at Truist Field. RHP *Kyle Wright (NR) for the Stripers vs. RHP Jonathan Stiever (NR) for the Knights. Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com.