Shewmake, Valaika Go Deep as Stripers Defeat Memphis

Homers back Toussaint’s 4.2 one-run innings in Gwinnett’s 5-3 victory

Touki Toussaint struck out eight over 4.2 one-run innings on Wednesday in Memphis. (Bernie Connelly)

By Dave Lezotte

April 6, 2022

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Braden Shewmake and Pat Valaika each launched home runs and Touki Toussaint struck out eight over 4.2 one-run innings as the Gwinnett Stripers (1-1) beat the Memphis Redbirds (1-1) 5-3 on Wednesday afternoon at AutoZone Park. Decisive Play: Shewmake’s first career Triple-A homer (1) tied the game

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Braden Shewmake and Pat Valaika each launched home runs and Touki Toussaint struck out eight over 4.2 one-run innings as the Gwinnett Stripers (1-1) beat the Memphis Redbirds (1-1) 5-3 on Wednesday afternoon at AutoZone Park.

Decisive Play: Shewmake’s first career Triple-A homer (1) tied the game at 1-1 in the second, but it was Valaika’s towering drive (1) down the left-field line in the third that gave Gwinnett a permanent lead at 3-1.

Key Contributors: Following Toussaint’s strong start (4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 8 SO), Thomas Burrows (W, 1-0) stranded the bases loaded with a key strikeout of Nolan Gorman in the fifth. Michael Tonkin (S, 1) retired the side in the ninth. Shewmake (3-for-4, homer, RBI) and Phil Gosselin (3-for-5, double, 2 runs) each had three-hit games, while Valaika had a game-high two RBIs (2-for-5, homer).

Noteworthy: After hitting just .099 (7-for-71) in his first 19 games with Double-A Mississippi last season, Shewmake is batting .625 (5-for-8) over his first two Triple-A games with Gwinnett.

Next Game (Thursday, April 7): Gwinnett at Memphis, 7:45 p.m. EDT at AutoZone Park. RHP Jackson Stephens (NR) for the Stripers vs. TBD for the Redbirds. Radio Broadcast: 7:30 p.m. on MyCountry993.com.

Next Home Game (Tuesday, April 12): Gwinnett vs. Nashville, 7:05 p.m. at Coolray Field. Opening Night features a 2022 Schedule Cling Giveaway (first 2,500 fans, presented by Georgia Power), plus a visit from the Atlanta Braves World Champions Trophy Tour (presented by Truist) and Family Value Tuesday ($2 hot dogs and $1 desserts, presented by Coolray Heating & Cooling).