Soroka Throws 7.0-Inning Shutout as Stripers Blank Knights 4-0

Michael Soroka strikes out eight, scatters three hits in dominant start at Charlotte

Michael Soroka turned in his second complete-game effort of the season on Saturday at Truist Field in Charlotte. (Bernie Connelly)

By Dave Lezotte (@davelezotte)

August 12, 2023

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Michael Soroka thrived under the late-night lights of Truist Field on Saturday, tossing a 7.0-inning complete-game shutout in the Gwinnett Stripers’ (53-58) 4-0 win over the Charlotte Knights (41-72). The performance extended the Stripers’ winning streak to seven games, their longest streak since also winning seven straight

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Michael Soroka thrived under the late-night lights of Truist Field on Saturday, tossing a 7.0-inning complete-game shutout in the Gwinnett Stripers’ (53-58) 4-0 win over the Charlotte Knights (41-72). The performance extended the Stripers’ winning streak to seven games, their longest streak since also winning seven straight from August 6-13, 2021.

Decisive Plays: The game remained scoreless until the fifth, when Magneuris Sierra doubled off the wall in left field, stole third, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Justin Dean. In the sixth, Daniel Robertson drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Vaughn Grissom, and Sierra followed with a two-run single for a 4-0 Gwinnett lead.

Key Contributors: Soroka (W, 4-3) allowed just four baserunners all night in his 98-pitch effort, scattering three hits and one walk over 7.0 innings while striking out eight. It was his second 7.0-inning complete game of the year, first since game two of a doubleheader on June 22 vs. Jacksonville (allowed 1 run on 1 hit in an 8-1 victory). Sierra went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, while Grissom went 2-for-3 with a double and run scored.

Noteworthy: The game, originally scheduled for 8:15 p.m., was pushed back to 9:00 p.m. and shortened to a 7-inning contest due to a pregame threat of rain. Grissom extended his on-base streak to 35 games, his run scoring streak to seven games, and his extra-base hit streak to five games. Jesus Aguilar and Braden Shewmake each saw their eight-game hitting streaks snapped. Gwinnett is now 6-3 in games decided by shutout this year.

Next Game (Sunday, August 13**):* Gwinnett at Charlotte, 6:05 p.m. ET at Truist Field. LHP *Justus Sheffield** (1-5, 7.23 ERA) for the Stripers vs. LHP Garrett Davila (2-7, 6.14 ERA) for the Knights. Broadcast: 5:50 p.m. ET on MyCountry993.com and Bally Live.

Next Home Game (Tuesday, August 22): Gwinnett vs. Nashville, 7:05 p.m. ET at Coolray Field. Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. ET on MyCountry993.com and Bally Live. It’s Family Value Tuesday at Coolray Field, with $2 Hot Dogs and $1 Desserts.