Stripers reel in 6-4 loss as Memphis powers to four-run ninth-inning comeback

June 26, 2024 – International League (IL)
Gwinnett Stripers news release

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (1-1) led for eight innings Wednesday night at Coolray Field before the Memphis Redbirds (1-1) broke out for four runs on two home runs in a ninth inning turnaround game to give the Stripers a 6-4 defeat.

Decisive plays: Just like a night ago, Gwinnett took an early 3-0 lead, this time in the third inning on RBIs from Chadwick Tromp, Yuli Gurriel and JP Martinez. Gwinnett was unable to extend its lead and a two-run home run by Luken Baker (20) in the sixth inning brought the Redbirds within one run. Still clinging to a 3-2 lead, Ken Giles (L, 3-1, BS, 1) allowed a three-run home run to Matt Koperniak (10) and a solo blast by Baker (21) that put Memphis ahead tied the score at 6-3. The Stripers got another RBI from Tromp in the 2nd half to make it 6-4, but Martinez struck out with the bases loaded to end the game.

Key Contributors: Tromp had the only multi-RBI game for Gwinnett, while Gurriel (2-for-5, RBI) and Drake Baldwin (3-for-5) had the two multi-hit games. On the mound, Logue (5.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 2 SO) led off with 5.0 scoreless innings before allowing the two-run home run to Baker. For Memphis, Baker hit two home runs with 3 RBI, while Koperniak had 3 RBI on his home run. Cesar Prieto also went 4-for-5 with two doubles.

Of note, the loss snapped a five-game winning streak at Coolray Field for the Stripers. Baldwin has hit safely in 10 of 12 games with Gwinnett this season, recording his third three-hit game in that span. Before Baker allowed the two-run home run, Logue had thrown 12.0 consecutive scoreless innings against Memphis, dating back to a complete-game shutout in Game 2 of a doubleheader on May 14 in Memphis.

Next game (Thursday, June 27): Gwinnett vs. Memphis, 7:05 PM ET at Coolray Field. Airing: 6:50 PM ET on MyCountry993.com and Bally Live. RHP Darius Vines (2-5, 5.47 ERA) starts for Gwinnett against LHP Zack Thompson (2-2, 3.83 ERA) for the Redbirds. It’s Michelob Ultra Thirsty Thursday at Coolray Field, where fans 21 and older can get select 12-ounce domestic beers for just $2 each.

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