Muller Quality Again in Tough-Luck Loss at Nashville

Kyle Muller strikes out seven over 7.0 two-run innings, but Stripers lose 2-1

Kyle Muller has posted a 1.87 ERA over his last five starts since June 2, all quality outings. (Will Fagan)

By Dave Lezotte

June 25, 2022

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kyle Muller delivered his fifth consecutive quality start on Saturday night, but the Gwinnett Stripers (35-36) struggled to back him with offense in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Sounds (42-28) at First Horizon Park. Rehabbing Atlanta Braves outfielder Eddie Rosario started as the designated hitter and

Decisive Plays: The Stripers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning as Drew Waters walked and scored on a two-out single by Pat Valaika. Gwinnett managed just two more hits against Nashville starter Ethan Small (W, 4-3), however, as he tossed 7.0 innings of one-run baseball. The Sounds took the lead in the fourth on David Dahl's two-out, two-run home run (6) off Muller.

Key Contributors: Muller (L, 4-4) yielded two runs on three hits, walked two, and struck out seven over 7.0 innings. Rosario, Valaika, Travis Demeritte, and Kramer Robertson each had singles for the Stripers. Following Small's start, Sounds relievers Hobie Harris (H, 5) and Luke Barker (S, 3) each threw 1.0 scoreless inning. Dahl went 1-for-3 with the homer and two RBIs.

Noteworthy: During the five-game quality start streak dating back to June 2, Muller has posted a 1.87 ERA (7 ER in 33.2 IP), 0.77 WHIP, .171 BAA, and 43 strikeouts. Robertson extended his hitting streak to nine games (.353, 12-for-34 since June 12), while Delino DeShields Jr. saw his 11-game on-base streak snapped.

Next Game (Sunday, June 26): Gwinnett at Nashville, 7:05 p.m. ET at First Horizon Park. RHP Bryce Elder (3-4, 5.57 ERA) for the Stripers vs. RHP Josh Lindblom (2-4, 3.54 ERA) for the Sounds. Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com.

Next Home Game (Monday, July 4): Gwinnett vs. Charlotte, 7:05 p.m. at Coolray Field. Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com. Join the Stripers for Independence Day, featuring a special pregame BBQ (purchase online at GoStripers.com) and a patriotic Fireworks Extravaganza after the game. Stripers players and coaches will wear specialty Patriotic Jerseys, which will be available for purchase in an online auction at GoStripers.com.