IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Durham Edges Gwinnett 4-3 in 2012 Season Opener

Published on April 6, 2012 under International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


Durham, NC - The opening game of the 2012 season is one the Gwinnett Braves will not forget. In a marathon that lasted 4:04 and went 12 innings in a steady drizzle at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the Braves lost the season opener by a 4-3 score when the Bulls plated two in the bottom of the 12th.

Todd Redmond started for Gwinnett and was very effective, giving up only one earned run in his four innings of work while striking out five. However, the Braves would use nine pitchers on the night, with Jose Lugo (L, 0-1) getting the loss by giving up the 12th inning runs.

The Bulls scored one in the first and one unearned run in the second off Redmond to go up 2-0.

The Braves cut into the lead in the third inning as first baseman Ernesto Mejia delivered a two out single to left center scoring catcher J.C. Boscan to make it 2-1 Bulls.

The game remained 2-1 until the top of the 8th. Centerfielder Luis Durango led off with a single, his second hit of the game. He stole second and scored on a double to center by Stefan Gartrell. Gartrell's first extra-base hit of the season tied the game at two.

The G-Braves took a brief lead in the top of the 12th as Boscan led off the inning with a solo home run to left off of Durham reliever Cesar Ramos. However, Gwinnett could not hold that lead in the bottom of the inning. Durham catcher Chris Gimenez started the rally with a single and was bunted to second by left-fielder Kyle Hudson. Second baseman Wil Rhymes followed with a single moving Gimenez to third. Lugo was lifted for right-hander Jason Rice. Former Griffin High School standout Tim Beckham then hit a ground ball of the right leg of Rice, allowing Gimenez to score the tying run. After Rice walked right-fielder Brandon Guyer, he gave way to left-hander Ben Swaggerty. Shawn O'Malley followed with a ground ball to shortstop Greg Paiml, but the Gwinnett shortstop dropped the ball for a fielding error, allowing Rhymes to score from second with the winning run.

Right-hander Ryan Reid (W, 1-0) picked up the win in relief. He was one of seven pitchers used by the Bulls. Mejia, Boscan and Gartrell each had two hits. Durango finished 3-for-6 with a run scored.

The Gwinnett Braves and Durham Bulls continue the four game series Friday, April 6 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, NC. Right-hander Erik Cordier (5-9, 5.14 in 2011 at Gwinnett) will make his first start of the year for the G-Braves. Lefty Alex Torres (9-7, 3.08 in 2011 for Durham) starts for the Bulls. Listen to the broadcast on WDUN AM 550 and 102.9 FM with Tony Schiavone calling the play by play.

Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves games including Opening Night on Thursday, April 12 against Durham are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

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International League Stories from April 6, 2012


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