IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

PawSox' Five-Run Ninth Burns Gwinnett, 9-4

Published on August 29, 2012 under International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - The Pawtucket Red Sox tallied five runs in the ninth inning against Gwinnett reliever Cory Gearrin, defeating the G-Braves 9-4 on Wednesday afternoon at Coolray Field. Tony Thomas went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to lead the way for the PawSox, but it was Danny Valencia's RBI single that ultimately made the difference. Ernesto Mejia drove in his International League leading 92nd RBI in the loss for Gwinnett.

Gearrin (L, 3-2) entered the game in the ninth inning with the score tied at 4-4. The usually steady reliever imploded, however, allowing five runs on five hits alongside two walks while striking out none. He failed to record an out in the ninth, yielding RBI singles to Valencia, Andy LaRoche, Jason Repko and Jon Hee before exiting. Ryan Buchter allowed one of three inherited runners to score to Gearrin's line.

Gwinnett grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jose Constanza reached on the starting pitcher Steven Wright's throwing error, then scored on Lyle Overbay's run-scoring double. Thomas tied the score with an RBI triple in the third inning, but the G-Braves responded with two runs in the third on an RBI double by Jack Wilson and RBI single by Mejia to retake the lead. Mejia's single scored Wilson for his 92nd RBI, moving the newly-named IL Rookie of the Year past Stefan Gartrell for most single-season RBIs in Gwinnett franchise history. Gartrell drove in 91 runs in 2011.

The G-Braves added their last run of the game in the fourth when Constanza singled home Luis Durango, giving Gwinnett their biggest lead of the afternoon at 4-1.

Sean Gilmartin made the start for the G-Braves and was solid for four innings before running into trouble in the fifth. The left-hander served up a two-run homer to Thomas, cutting the lead to 4-3. Gilmartin exited with three earned runs on eight hits over 4.1 innings before being replaced by Peter Moylan in the fifth.

Pawtucket tied the game in the sixth against Moylan who allowed one run on one hit in 1.1 innings of work. The reliever yielded a two-out, bases loaded run-scoring single to Jeremy Hazelbaker, tying the game at 4-4. Anthony Varvaro took over and worked 2.0 scoreless, one-hit innings to keep the game tied.

Wright worked 5.0 innings with four runs, three earned on seven hits in the start for Pawtucket. Former University of Georgia closer Josh Fields added 2.0 scoreless frames, while left-hander Rich Hill (W, 1-0) earned the victory for the PawSox with a scoreless eighth inning. Alex Wilson worked around two hits in a non-save ninth.

Overbay (3-for-5, RBI) and Constanza (3-for-4, R, RBI) did most of the damange in Gwinnett's 11-hit barrage. Durango (2-for-4, 2 R) increased his IL-leading stolen bases mark to 45 on the season with a pair of steals against Pawtucket pitching on Wednesday, while Wilson finished the day 2-for-4 with a run scored and a RBI.

Thursday will conclude the 2012 regular season at Coolray Field as the G-Braves (61-77) host Pawtucket (75-63) for a doubleheader starting at 5:05 PM. Right-hander Randall Delgado (4-2, 4.58) will throw game one for Gwinnett, while right-hander Julio Teheran (7-8, 5.20) is scheduled to throw game two. The PawSox will counter with right-handers Billy Buckner (7-6, 4.22) and Tony Pena, Jr. (1-9, 5.04). Listen to the radio broadcast on WDUN 550 AM / 102.9 FM in Gainesville, Georgia with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play.

Thursday night is Fan Appreciation Night at Coolray Field, sponsored by Coolray Heating and Cooling. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Gwinnett Braves replica jersey. For more details on all events planned for Fan Appreciation Night, visit gwinnettbraves.com. Thursday is also the seventh and final day of "Drive Me Crazy" as the G-Braves gather donations of canned foods, clothes, sports equipment, toys and more to restock local shelters and storage centers.

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 August 29, 2012


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