School's in session: the Stripers solid pitching prevails as they win 2-1 over the Memphis Redbirds to take a 2-0 series lead
Preview: Memphis Redbirds (7-9, 4 GB of 1st place/International League West) vs Gwinnett Stripers (8-8, 3 GB of 1st place/International League West)
The April 17th (2024) game between the visiting Memphis Redbirds and host Gwinnett Stripers takes on a "matinee" appeal. With a 12:05pm start at CoolRay Field (2500 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville, GA), combined with the Education Day theme, school's definitely in session with the added energy of students, faculty, and staff from area schools taking in the second game of the series.
Coming off the series opening 6-5 (on April 16, 2024), the Stripers (the AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) look to win their second game in a row. AJ Smith-Shawver (0-1, 18.00 ERA) gets the start as he looks to keep the Memphis (the AAA affiliate of the St Louis Cardinals) offense in check. Cesar Prieto (.351 batting average with 4 homeruns and 11 runs batted in) and Jose Fermin (.375 batting average with 8 RBI's and 4 stolen bases) are among the Redbirds looking to impact the game.
Gwinnett counters with offensive leaders Luke Williams (.265 batting average with 3 HR and 12 RBI's), JP Martinez (.340 batting average with a team leading 7 stolen bases), and a hot-hitting Leury Garcia (.389 batting average with 10 RBI's and 3 stolen bases) against Adam Kloffenstein (0-1, 10.38 ERA).
Game highlights: Both teams have solid pitching efforts, but Gwinnett gets the win by a 2-1 margin
The Stripers would take an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st inning. Luke Williams' RBI single allows Leury Garcia to score to get an early advantage.
Solid pitching by both teams keeps the scoring at a minimum. The Redbirds would tie the game (1-1) in the top of the 5th inning on Mike Antico's sacrifice fly.
The Stripers would retake the lead in the bottom of the 7th inning. Sandy Leon's 3rd homer (solo) of the season would give the team a 2-1 lead. Combined with continued solid pitching, they would hold on for the win (2-1) and take the 2nd game of the series (and win their 3rd in a row).
Gwinnett's AJ Smith-Shawver goes 4.2 innings, as he allows 1 run (earned) on 2 hits with 3 strikeouts and a walk. The bullpen pitches 4.1 innings of shutout baseball, as Allan Winans (4IP allowing 1 hit along with 2 strikeouts/0 walks) gets the win. He improves to 1-1 overall. On offense, Sandy Leon (1 for 1 with the solo HR, 1 RBI) and Luke Williams (1 for 4 with 1 RBI) lead the team's offense.
Memphis gets a quality start from Adam Kloffenstein, as he goes 6 innings, allowing 1 run (earned) on 2 hits (5 strikeouts/5 walks). Kyle Leahy takes the loss (0-1) as he surrenders the solo shot by the Stripers' Sandy Leon (1 run [earned] on 2 hits, with 1 strikeout and a walk). Jose Fermin goes 2 for 4 in the losing effort, and Mike Atnico's sacrifice fly (1 RBI) provides all the offense the Redbirds could muster.
Notes: All video and photos are recorded via CCSLLC (click HERE for our 2024 season playlist and subscribe today). The series between the teams continues through this Sunday, April 21, 2024. For the complete box score, click HERE.
With today's win, the Stripers earn their 1,000th win since moving to Gwinnett.
