Four-Run Fifth Sends Stripers to 7-2 Win Over Durham

By Dave Lezottee

Media Relations Manager and Broadcaster

The Gwinnett Stripers (44-45) rode a four-run outburst in the fifth inning to a 7-2 victory over the Durham Bulls (47-42) on Saturday night at Coolray Field. Greyson Jenista went 3-for-4 and fell a triple shy of the cycle for Gwinnett.

Decisive Plays:  After Ruben Cardenas (4) and Jenista (9) traded solo homers in the early innings, the Stripers erased a 2-1 deficit with a rally in the fifth inning. Delino DeShields Jr. tied the game at 2-2 with an RBI bunt single, and Hernan Perez followed with a single to right scoring Joe Dunand for a 3-2 lead. Mike Ford and Braden Shewmake added RBIs in the fifth, and Preston Tucker tacked on a two-run double in the sixth.

Key Contributors:  Jenista went 3-for-4 with a double, homer, two runs, and an RBI. DeShields went 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Tucker had a game-high two RBIs, finishing 1-for-4 with a double. Gwinnett starter Tucker Davidson (W, 3-6) tossed 5.0 two-run innings, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out six.

Noteworthy:  With his solo home run, Jenista snapped an 0-for-20 dating back to July 2 at Norfolk. He also recorded his second three-hit game of the season against Durham (also on May 11). Davidson snapped a three-start losing streak with the victory.

Next Game (Sunday, July 17):  Gwinnett vs. Durham, 1:05 p.m. at Coolray Field. RHP Nolan Kingham (2-1, 3.71 ERA) for the Stripers vs. TBD for the Bulls. Radio Broadcast: 12:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com. It's a special day for Stripers' mascot Chopper the Groundhog as he celebrates his 14th birthday! Join local mascots in celebrating the best groundhog in baseball. Fans will have the opportunity to take photos with the 2021 World Series Trophy. It is also a Sunday Funday presented by Georgia United Credit Union. Stay after the game for Postgame Kids Run the Bases.