Bullpen Remains Dominant but Gwinnett Offense Struggles in 3-1 Loss

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (9-9) led 1-0 after the third inning, but that was all the offense they could manage against a strong night from the Memphis Redbirds' (8-10) pitching staff. Gordon Graceffo’s quality start paired with scoreless work from the Memphis bullpen handed a 3-1 loss to the Stripers on Thursday night at Coolray Field.

Decisive Plays: A leadoff walk by J.P. Martinez in the third inning was succeeded by a single from Alejo Lopez, putting Martinez in position to score on a wild pitch from Graceffo as the Stripers took a 1-0 lead. Stripers' starter Dylan Dodd (L, 2-1) kept Memphis off the board until the fifth inning, where the Redbirds took a 3-1 lead on a two-run double from Thomas Saggese and RBI single by Luken Baker.

Key Contributors: The Gwinnett bullpen was terrific once again, as Brooks Wilson, Daysbel Hernandez, and Ken Giles produced 4.0 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out three. At the plate, Lopez (2-for-4, double) had the only multi-hit night and extra-base hit for the Stripers. For Memphis, Saggese (2-for-5, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs) provided the decisive hit.

Noteworthy: No Gwinnett reliever has allowed a run in this series, as the bullpen has turned in 11.1 scoreless innings through three games against Memphis. The loss tonight snaps Gwinnett’s five-game winning streak at home.

Next Game (Friday, April 19): Gwinnett vs. Memphis, 7:05 p.m. ET at Coolray Field. Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. ET on MyCountry993.com and Bally Live. LHP Zach Logue (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will get the ball for Gwinnett against RHP Sem Robberse (2-0, 2.45 ERA) for Memphis. It's Marvel's Defenders of the Diamond at Coolray Field, as the Stripers will suit up in specialty jerseys and call upon superheroes and the supernatural as they unite with the legendary Avengers initiative at the ballpark. The game will be followed by another Fireworks Friday extravaganza.