Demeritte Homers as Stripers Earn First Win of “Final Stretch”

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (69-56) ended a five-game losing streak on Wednesday at Coolray Field, taking a 6-1 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (73-53). Travis Demeritte’s team-leading 21st home run of the season plated the decisive runs in the first inning.

Decisive Plays: Demeritte launched the two-run blast (21) off Nick Neidert (L, 6-4) in the first, giving Gwinnett a 2-0 lead. Cristian Pache laced an RBI single in the fifth inning, while Drew Waters scored later in the frame on a wild pitch. Pache added two more RBIs on another single in the seventh inning, putting the Stripers up 6-1.

Key Contributors: Pache finished the matinee game 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Johan Camargo totaled two hits, including a double. Starter Bryce Elder allowed one run on two hits, walked five, and struck out four over 4.0 innings. Trevor Kelley (W, 3-4) tossed a scoreless fifth inning for the win. Touki Toussaint pitched 2.0 scoreless innings in his second appearance with Gwinnett since being optioned on September 26.

Noteworthy: Atlanta Braves’ No. 10 prospect Spencer Strider recorded three strikeouts over 1.0 inning in his Triple-A debut, hitting 101 mph on the radar gun. Braves’ No. 2 prospect Shea Langeliers also made his Triple-A debut, finishing 0-for-3 with a walk. The Stripers improved to 1-5 in the “Triple-A Final Stretch”, while Jacksonville dropped to 4-2.

Next Game (Thursday, September 30): Gwinnett vs. Jacksonville, 7:05 p.m. at Coolray Field (The first 1,000 fans will receive an Austin Riley “Bow Hunting” bobblehead, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. It is also Thirsty Thursday, with 12-ounce domestic beers for $2 for fans age 21 and up. The Gwinnett Stripers will once again transform the Xolos de Gwinnett as part of MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión). RHP Jose Rodriguez (6-5, 5.15 ERA) for the Stripers vs. RHP Jason Alexander (0-1, 2.79 ERA) for the Jumbo Shrimp. Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com.