IL Gwinnett Stripers

Leon, Evans Combine for Three Homers in 10-3 Loss at Omaha

Published on April 9, 2024 under International League (IL)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


PAPILLION, Neb. - Sandy Leon blasted a pair of solo home runs and Phillip Evans added a third solo clout, but the Gwinnett Stripers (6-4) couldn't overcome a six-run second inning in a 10-3 loss to the Omaha Storm Chasers (6-4) on Tuesday afternoon at Werner Park.

Decisive Plays: Omaha surged to a decisive 6-0 lead against Huascar Ynoa (L, 0-1) in the second, highlighted by a two-run double from Michael Massey and two-run homer from Logan Porter. Leon's first solo shot (1) to right-center in the third cut the deficit down to 6-1, but the Storm Chasers responded with three runs in the bottom of the third to go up 9-1. CJ Alexander made it 10-1 with a solo homer in the bottom of the fourth. Leon homered again (2) to right field in the fifth, and Evans lined an opposite-field homer (2) to right in the seventh, but Gwinnett got no closer than 10-3.

Key Contributors: Leon (2-for-4, 2 homers, 2 RBIs) and Evans (1-for-3, homer, RBI) combined to drive in all three Gwinnett runs. After the shaky start, Stripers' relievers Tommy Doyle (1.2 IP, 0 H, 3 SO) and Ray Kerr (1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 SO) closed the game with 3.0 scoreless innings. For Omaha, starter Jonathan Bowlan (W, 1-1) struck out 10 over 6.0 two-run frames. Massey (2-or-4, double, 3 RBIs), Porter (2-for-5, triple, homer, 2 RBIs), and former Striper Drew Waters (2-for-4, double, triple, 2 RBIs) each had multi-RBI efforts.

Noteworthy: The loss was Gwinnett's first by more than one run this season, and the 10 runs allowed were five more than their previous season high (5, reached 4 times). The Stripers are now 0-3 in series openers this year. Leon is the first Gwinnett player with a multi-homer game since Chadwick Tromp hit two on August 10, 2023 at Charlotte.

Next Game (Wednesday, April 10): Gwinnett at Omaha, 1:05 p.m. ET at Werner Park. RHP AJ Smith-Shawver (0-0, 40.50 ERA) for the Stripers vs. RHP Andrew Hoffman (0-1, 7.88 ERA) for the Storm Chasers. Broadcast: 12:50 p.m. ET on MyCountry993.com.

Next Home Game (Tuesday, April 16): Gwinnett vs. Memphis, 7:05 p.m. ET at Coolray Field. Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. ET on MyCountry993.com and Bally Live. It's T-Shirt Tuesday (presented by Coolray Heating & Cooling) at Coolray Field as the Stripers will give away limited edition green Stripers shirseys of former Gwinnett star and current Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley.

Check out the Gwinnett Stripers Statistics

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International League Stories from April 9, 2024


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