Stripers' Bullpen Struggles Late in Loss to Durham
DURHAM, NC - The Gwinnett Stripers' (1-2) bullpen allowed a 2-0 lead to slip away late in a 4-2 loss to the Durham Bulls (2-2) Monday night in the opening game of the three game series at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
DURHAM, NC - The Gwinnett Stripers' (1-2) bullpen allowed a 2-0 lead to slip away late in a 4-2 loss to the Durham Bulls (2-2) Monday night in the opening game of the three game series at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
An early lead for the Stripers came off the bat of first baseman
In the top of the fifth, left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. drew a two out walk from Durham reliever Forest Snow, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on a single to center by Franco to extend the lead to 2-0.
However, the bullpen problems for Gwinnett began in the bottom of the seventh. Reliever
In the bottom of the eighth, Phillips walked lead-off batter
After Pfeifer struck out Snyder for the second out, he bounced a wild pitch, allowing Arroyo to score from third with the 3-2 go-ahead run. A walk by Pfeifer to Wong reloaded the bases and another wild pitch allowed Coats to score from third with the fourth and final run of the game.
Starting pitcher
For Durham, Nuno went 4.2 innings with one hit, one earned run and one strikeout.
Franco led Gwinnett with a 2-for-4 night, a homer, a run and two RBIs. Acuna Jr. was hitless in three times at the plate with a walk and a run; he is now 0-for-11 in the early going.
Williams paced Durham with a 2-for-3 night and one RBI.
The Stripers' season-opening road trip continues Tuesday afternoon at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Touted left-hander
The Stripers' home opener at Coolray Field is set for Thursday, April 12 at 7:05 p.m. vs. the Rochester Red Wings. For tickets, call 678-277-0340 or visit GoStripers.com/tickets.