IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

IronPigs Pound Gwinnett Bullpen

May 31, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. - The Gwinnett Braves looked for a series victory, but settled for a split after falling 14-4 to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in the series finale at Coolray Field on Thursday night. Starter Todd Redmond yielded four runs over 7.0 innings and exited in a 4-4 game, but the IronPigs scored 10 runs over the final two innings to win in a rout.

Lehigh Valley first baseman John Suomi drove in the go-ahead run on his second hit of the night, a double down the right-field line that scored Kevin Frandsen in the eighth. Domonic Brown walked and scored on a sacrifice fly by Cody Overbeck, extending the lead to 6-4. Both runs were earned to right-hander Adam Russell (L, 3-2) over just two thirds of the eighth.

Jaye Chapman relieved Russell to get out of the eighth, but loaded the bases to start the ninth before recording the first out of the inning. The IronPigs then piled on with help from a Lance Zawadzki fielding error, scoring eight times in the ninth to open a 10-run lead. RBI singles by Kyle Hudson, Overbeck and Steve Susdorf chased Chapman from the game, and Tuffy Gosewisch added the crushing blow, blasting a three-run homer off Anthony Varvaro to put the game well out of reach.

Early in the game, the G-Braves jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to Ernesto Mejia's team-leading 40th RBI of the season, coming on a first-inning single scoring Felix Pie. Christian Marrero then laced an RBI single into right field scoring Mejia.

Lehigh Valley scored once in the third and three times in the sixth on Suomi's home run off Redmond, taking a 4-2 lead. Gwinnett tied the game, 4-4 in the seventh inning when Stefan Gartrell registered his second pinch hit of the season with an RBI single scoring Josh Wilson.

However, Suomi would steal the show in the next half inning, capping a red-hot series. Suomi went 2-for-4 with four RBIs on the night and finished the series 8-for-14 with four doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs.

IronPigs' reliever Phillippe Aumont (W, 1-0) picked up the win despite a blown save, allowing a run over 2.0 innings. Tyson Brummett worked a scoreless ninth inning. Lehigh Valley starter Tyler Cloyd worked 6.0 innings with three runs allowed.

Marrero finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs in the losing cause for Gwinnett. Pie doubled twice, finishing 2-for-4 with two runs scored out of the leadoff spot. Wilson also went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and one run scored.

The International League South-leading Gwinnett Braves (32-22) continue their 10-game homestand on Friday with the first of a two-game set against the South Division's second place team, the Charlotte Knights (29-25). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM at Coolray Field. G-Braves right-hander Jair Jurrjens (3-2, 4.85) is set to oppose Charlotte left-hander Charlie Leesman (4-4, 2.39). The game will be broadcast on radio on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play.

Friday night's game is sponsored by 12 Stone and is "80's Night". A full 80's playlist and clips from the best 80's movies will be featured all night long at Coolray Field. After the game, stick around for Fox 5 Friday Fireworks, presented by WAGA Fox 5 Atlanta.

Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games 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 May 31, 2012


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