Schunk Homers, Plates Four as Stripers Win Nail-Biter in Round Rock
IL Gwinnett Stripers

Schunk Homers, Plates Four as Stripers Win Nail-Biter in Round Rock

Published on April 2, 2026 under International League (IL)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


ROUND ROCK, Texas - Aaron Schunk homered and drove in four runs in a 3-for-3 effort, leading the Gwinnett Stripers (3-3) to their third straight win over the Round Rock Express (1-5), 8-7 on Thursday night at Dell Diamond. Round Rock loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth and scored once, but James Karinchak got the final out to end the comeback bid.

Decisive Plays: The Stripers took a 2-1 lead in the second as Schunk (2) and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. (1) both lofted wind-blown solo home runs to left field. A two-out RBI infield single by Schunk in the third increased the advantage to 3-1. Round Rock closed the gap to 3-2 in the fourth, but Gwinnett responded with three runs in the fifth as Nacho Alvarez Jr. legged out an RBI fielder's choice, Rowdy Tellez ripped an RBI double to center, and Schunk lined an RBI single to left. In the sixth, the Express tied it at 6-6 on a three-run homer from Alejandro Osuna (1). The Stripers took the lead right back in the seventh on an RBI fielder's choice from Tellez and sacrifice fly from Schunk to make it 8-6. Round Rock utilized four walks from Javy Guerra and a sacrifice fly by Tyler Wade to make it 8-7, but Karinchak (S, 1) retired Cooper Johnson to end the game.

Key Contributors: Schunk (3-for-3, homer, 4 RBIs) and Alvarez Jr. (2-for-4, double, RBI) both had multi-hit games for Gwinnett, while Tellez (1-for-4, double, 2 RBIs) added a multi-RBI effort. Starter Carlos Carrasco pitched 5.0 innings (6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO) in a no-decision. For Round Rock, Osuna (1-for-5, homer, 3 RBIs) and Wade (2-for-3, 3 RBIs) drove in six combined runs.

Noteworthy: The Stripers have started 3-0 on the road this season, matching the longest road winning streak to begin a year in Gwinnett history (also went 3-0 in 2016). Jim Jarvis went 0-for-2 to snap his five-game hitting streak but drew three walks and scored twice. Through six games, Schunk is batting .409 with two homers, six RBIs, and a 1.189 OPS.

Next Game (Friday, April 3): Gwinnett Stripers at Round Rock Express, 8:05 p.m. at Dell Diamond. RHP Didier Fuentes (NR) starts for Gwinnett against Round Rock RHP Josh Stephan (0-0, 3.60 ERA). Radio Broadcast: 7:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com. Live Video Stream: Bally Sports Live.

Next Home Game (Tuesday, April 7): Gwinnett Stripers vs. Nashville Sounds, 6:35 p.m. at Gwinnett Field. It's 5-4-3 Tuesday presented by Sahlen's Hot Dogs ($5 off select tickets, $5 domestic beers and souvenir sodas, $4 large popcorn and nachos, and $3 Sahlen's hot dogs). Radio Broadcast: 6:20 p.m. on MyCountry993.com. TV Broadcast: Peachtree Sports Network. Live Video Stream: Bally Sports Live.

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International League Stories from April 2, 2026


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