Dickerson Delivers Decisive Blast as Stripers Beat Memphis

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (19-20) rode a strong pitching performance and a sixth-inning two-run home run from Alex Dickerson to a 5-3 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (21-18) on Thursday night at Coolray Field.

Decisive Plays: The Stripers took a 3-0 lead against Memphis starter Zack Thompson in the bottom of the fifth, but the Redbirds struck back in the sixth with a pair of homers from Kramer Robertson (5) and Alec Burleson (8) off Huascar Ynoa to tie it at 3-3. Dickerson put Gwinnett up for good in the sixth with a two-run blast (2) to right field off Thompson (L, 2-1).

Key Contributors: Ynoa struck out a season-high nine hitters through 5.2 innings in a no-decision. R.J. Alaniz (W, 2-1) earned the win in relief, striking out three in 1.1 innings. Victor Vodnik (H, 1) and Michael Tonkin (S, 3) each added a scoreless inning. Dickerson finished the night 2-for-3 with the homer and two RBIs.

Noteworthy: Phil Gosselin extended his hitting streak to seven games with an RBI double in the fifth, finishing 1-for-4. Vodnik, the Atlanta Braves’ No. 13 prospect according to MLB.com, worked around a pair of walks for a scoreless inning in his Triple-A debut.

Next Game (Friday, May 20): Gwinnett vs. Memphis, 7:05 p.m. at Coolray Field. LHP Kyle Muller (2-2, 3.69 ERA) for the Stripers vs. LHP Connor Thomas (2-2, 4.06 ERA) for the Redbirds. Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com. Join the Stripers in honoring all that served and continue to serve our country during Salute to Armed Forces Night. It’s also a Fireworks Friday with a spectacular post-game display.