Stripers’ Offense Remains Dormant in 3-1 Loss to Redbirds

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The Gwinnett Stripers (11-14) couldn’t find the clutch hit for the third straight game in Memphis, falling 3-1 to the Redbirds (11-14) on Friday night at AutoZone Park. Gwinnett has been outscored 17-5 through four games in the series, trailing 3-1.

Decisive Plays: The Stripers snapped a 24-inning scoring drought and a scoreless game in the fifth as Luke Waddell singled and scored on a strike three wild pitch to Matthew Batten issued by Roddery Munoz (W, 3-2). The 1-0 lead lasted until the bottom of the sixth, when the Redbirds tied the game on an RBI fielder’s choice from Matt Koperniak and went up 3-1 on a two-run single by Matt Lloyd. Gwinnett loaded the bases twice in the game – in the fifth and eighth – but went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Key Contributors: Jhancarlos Lara (3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 SO) was solid in his second spot start of the season with the Stripers. Waddell (1-for-3, run) had one of Gwinnett’s five hits on the night. For Memphis, Koperniak (3-for-4, double, RBI) and Lloyd (2-for-4, 2 RBIs) combined to drive in all three runs.

Noteworthy: Through his two spot starts, Lara has thrown 6.0 scoreless innings, allowed just three hits, and has struck out seven. Eddys Leonard went 0-for-4, snapping his 13-game on-base streak.

Next Game (Saturday, July 26): Gwinnett at Memphis, 7:35 p.m. at AutoZone Park. Radio Broadcast: 7:20 p.m. on MyCountry993.com.

Next Home Game (Tuesday, July 29): Durham at Gwinnett, 7:05 p.m. at Coolray Field. It’s never too early to start the Christmas countdown as we celebrate Christmas in July! The first 500 fans to the ballpark will receive a Christmas Ugly Sweater Long Sleeve Tee presented by Coolray Heating & Cooling (size XL only). Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com.