Gwinnett outduels Jacksonville in, 2-1, win Saturday

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Jacksonville and Gwinnett each put forth solid pitching performances Saturday, but the Stripers two-run fourth inning held up in a 2-1 victory over the Jumbo Shrimp at Coolray Field.

Jacksonville (74-55, 5-4) put the go-ahead run on base in the eighth inning, and saw the tying run reach in the ninth, but were unable to string baserunners together. Gwinnett (71-57, 3-6) turned three double plays defensively to help extinguish several Jumbo Shrimp rallies.

Gwinnett broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning when Yohan Camargo led off with a single to left-center. Maikel Franco then drew a walk to put two men aboard. Two batters later, Ryan Goins bounced a ball to shortstop on which Jacksonville tried to turn a double-play on, but an errant throw plated Camargo and extended the inning. After a walk put two on base for the Stripers, Philip Ervin lined a single into left to put Gwinnett ahead, 2-0.

Braxton Garrett (loss, 4-4) struck out four in four innings, giving up two runs on three hits and walking four.

Stripers’ right-hander Kyle Wright (win, 10-5) was dominant in his final start of the year. He tossed seven scoreless innings, striking out eight, and gave up just five hits and a walk.

Jacksonville trimmed into the deficit in the eighth inning. Zack Zehner led off with a single and after a fielder’s choice allowed Justin Twine to reach, Joe Dunand came through with a pinch-hit double to score Twine. Corey Bird then singled to put runners at the corners, but Connor Justus bounced into a double play to end the threat. Bird finished with the lone multi-hit effort for the Jumbo Shrimp.

Brandon Leibrandt worked three scoreless innings out of the Jumbo Shrimp bullpen, and Tommy Eveld struck out two in a scoreless eighth to keep the Jumbo Shrimp within striking distance.

The 2021 season finale is set for 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, with left-hander Daniel Castano (6-2, 4.35) to face off against Gwinnett right-hander Connor Johnstone (3-8, 4.98).

Coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on ESPN 690 and online at espn690.com and on the MiLB First Pitch app.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.