Valaika’s Near Cycle Helps Stripers Clip Memphis

Pat Valaika doubles, homers, and drives in three in Gwinnett’s 5-2 win

By Dave Lezotte

April 7, 2022

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Pat Valaika fell a triple shy of the cycle on Thursday night, driving in three as the Gwinnett Stripers (2-1) defeated the Memphis Redbirds (1-2) 5-2 at AutoZone Park. Decisive Play: For the second straight game, Valaika staked the Stripers to an early lead with a two-run

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Pat Valaika fell a triple shy of the cycle on Thursday night, driving in three as the Gwinnett Stripers (2-1) defeated the Memphis Redbirds (1-2) 5-2 at AutoZone Park.

Decisive Play: For the second straight game, Valaika staked the Stripers to an early lead with a two-run home run (2) to left field. His blast in the second inning made it 2-0 Gwinnett. Greyson Jenista added a long solo homer to center (1) later in the second to make it 3-0.

Key Contributors: Valaika also ripped an RBI double in the fourth and finished 3-for-4. Starter Jackson Stephens (W, 1-0) spun 6.0 innings of four-hit, two-run baseball and struck out seven. Three relievers including R.J. Alaniz (S, 1) combined on 3.0 scoreless innings.

Connor Johnstone was one of three relievers to toss a scoreless inning for the Stripers on Thursday in Memphis.Will Fagan

Noteworthy: Stephens turned in the first quality start by a Gwinnett pitcher this season as he made his first appearance in affiliated baseball since September 2, 2019 with Triple-A Louisville. Jenista (2-for-4, homer, RBI) and Justin Dean (1-for-3) each tallied their first career Triple-A hits.

Next Game (Friday, April 8): Gwinnett at Memphis, 8:05 p.m. EDT at AutoZone Park. RHP Allan Winans (NR) for the Stripers vs. LHP Zack Thompson (NR) for the Redbirds. Radio Broadcast: 7:50 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).