Stripers Rally, Lose to Durham in 10 Innings

Gwinnett overcomes 4-1 deficit, but can’t hold 5-4 lead in 6-5 loss

Drew Waters posted a 3-for-4 game with two RBIs in Gwinnett's 8-2 win over Columbus on Sunday. (Bernie Connelly)

By Dave Lezotte

July 3, 2021

DURHAM, N.C. – Drew Waters blasted a three-run home run (4) to tie the game at 4-4 and Jonathan Lucroy stroked a go-ahead RBI single in the top of the 10th inning, but the Gwinnett Stripers (23-29) couldn’t prevent a 6-5 walk-off win for the Durham Bulls (35-17) on Saturday

DURHAM, N.C. – Drew Waters blasted a three-run home run (4) to tie the game at 4-4 and Jonathan Lucroy stroked a go-ahead RBI single in the top of the 10th inning, but the Gwinnett Stripers (23-29) couldn’t prevent a 6-5 walk-off win for the Durham Bulls (35-17) on Saturday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Decisive Play: Nathan Lukes tied the game with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th, and after Josh Lowe walked and stole second, Kevin Padlo ripped a walk-off single to left off Jacob Webb (L, 0-1) to win it for Durham.

Key Contributors: Four of Gwinnett’s five runs came via the long-ball, as Orlando Arcia opened the game with a leadoff solo homer (13) to right off Shane Baz. Waters lifted a three-run shot (4) deep into the seats in right off Phoenix Sanders in the sixth after the Stripers had fallen behind 4-1. Lucroy went 1-for-2 with the 10th-inning RBI single.

Noteworthy: Waters’ homer was his first since May 19 at Nashville, also the last Gwinnett leadoff clout prior to the one hit by Arcia. Johan Camargo went 1-for-5 with a double, giving him hits in 17 of 20 games since June 10. The Stripers are now 4-4 in extra innings and 8-6 in games decided in the last at-bat this season.

Next Game (Sunday, July 4): Gwinnett at Durham, 6:05 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. RHP Jasseel De La Cruz (0-2, 6.16 ERA) for the Stripers vs. RHP Joe Ryan (3-3, 3.73 ERA). Radio Broadcast: 5:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com.

Next Home Game (Tuesday, July 6): Gwinnett vs. Nashville, 7:05 p.m. at Coolray Field (Family Value Tuesday, $2 hot dogs and $1 desserts, presented by Coolray Heating & Cooling).