IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Gwinnett Falls 4-1 in Series Finale vs. Syracuse

May 14, 2015 - International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - Former Gwinnett Brave Steve Lerud stung his old club by driving in every Syracuse Chiefs' (15-19) run Thursday, sending the G-Braves (16-18) to a 4-1 loss in the finale of the four-game series at Coolray Field.

He singled home Matt den Dekker for the Chiefs' first run of the game in the second inning and launched a two-run home run in the seventh that also scored den Dekker after he had reached on a fielder's choice grounder to shortstop. Lerud capped his performance with a run-scoring single to right field in the ninth inning off of right-handed reliever Juan Jaime that once again scored den Dekker.

Lerud, a catcher who played 60 games for Gwinnett in 2014, went 6-for-7 with a home run, a walk and five RBIs in the series.

Gwinnett loaded the bases in the ninth inning for the second consecutive game, but came away with just one run. The G-Braves lost three of four games in the series vs. the Chiefs.

Syracuse right-handed starter Taylor Hill (W, 3-1) hit Eury Perez with a pitch to begin the bottom of the final inning. Perez advanced to third base on Jose Peraza's second single of the game and scored on an RBI fielder's choice hit by Adonis Garcia. Right-hander Rafael Martin (S, 2) entered the game to face Garcia and survived a single by Cedric Hunter and a walk to Daniel Castro to close out the game.

G-Braves' left-handed starter Greg Smith (L, 1-2) held Syracuse to six hits with a walk and five strikeouts in 7.0 innings of work in his second start of the season. It was his longest start since August 27, 2014 with the Lehigh Vally IronPigs when he held the Pawtucket Red Sox scoreless on three hits to pick up his most recent victory as a starter.

But Hill was better. He finished 8.0 innings for the first time this season and limited the G-Braves to their lone run on five hits with no walks and four strikeouts. He also did not allow a batter reach base until Peraza singled with one out in the fourth.

That began the G-Braves' best scoring opportunity of the game, as Hunter doubled to left field two batters later to put runners on second and third with two outs. Hill then got Barrett Kleinknecht to fly out to center field to end the threat.

Peraza and Hunter both finished the game 2-for-4, while Perez and Castro were the only other Gwinnett batters to hit their way on base.

Left-hander Donnie Veal completed his eighth straight appearance for Gwinnett without a run allowed when he set the Chiefs down in order in the eighth. Jaime gave up two hits and a run with one strikeout in the ninth.

The G-Braves will finish their homestand with a three-game series against the Louisville Bats. Game one of the set is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Coolray Field. Right-hander and reigning International League Pitcher of the Week Matt Wisler (2-3, 4.59 ERA) will start for Gwinnett. The Bats will go with right-handed starter Jon Moscot (5-0, 2.35 ERA). Tony Schiavone has the play-by-play call on 97.7 FM and WSBRadio.com beginning at 6:30 p.m.

A spectacular "Fireworks Friday" display will follow the game on "ALS Awareness Night." Fans can join the G-Braves and the ALS Association Georgia Chapter in support of the fight against the disease. To purchase tickets, call the Coolray Field Ticket Office at 678-277-0340 or visit GwinnettBraves.com/tickets.

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International League Stories from May 14, 2015


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