Stripers Squander Ritchie’s Scoreless Outing in 3-1 Defeat to Durham

Press Release

LAWRENCEVILLE, Georgia – JR Ritchie tossed 5.2 scoreless innings as the Gwinnett Stripers (23-25, 61-61) took a 1-0 lead into the ninth, but the Durham Bulls (28-19, 56-66) scored three runs in the final frame to win 3-1 on Thursday night at Gwinnett Field. The Bulls lead the series 2-1.

Decisive Plays:  Kyle Farmer delivered a second-inning RBI single to make it 1-0 Stripers, where it stayed for most of the contest. With two on and no outs in the top of the fifth, Ritchie struck out three straight Bulls to escape the toughest jam he faced. With Gwinnett up 1-0 entering the ninth, Durham loaded the bases with a double and consecutive hit-by-pitches from Rolddy Muñoz (L, 0-3). A bases-loaded walk tied the game before Jake Cave launched a sacrifice fly to right-center field that was caught thanks to a fantastic diving grab by Patrick Clohisy, giving the Bulls a 2-1 lead. A squeeze bunt by Homer Bush Jr. added an insurance run to make it 3-1 Durham. The Stripers got two aboard in the bottom of the ninth but failed to score against Kodi Whitley (S, 1). 

Key Contributors: Ritchie threw 5.2 innings (3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 SO) in a no-decision. Farmer (3-for-4, RBI) and Jose Azocar (2-for-3) each had multi-hit efforts for the Stripers. Tatem Levins (1-for-3) had the lone extra-base hit for Durham.

Noteworthy:  Ritchie has posted a 1.15 ERA (2 ER in 15.2 IP) over his three starts with Gwinnett in August, lowering his season ERA to 3.22. The three-run ninth by Durham snapped a 19-inning scoreless streak put together by Stripers’ pitchers from the fourth inning of game one through the eighth of game three.

Next Game (Friday, August 21):  Gwinnett Stripers vs. Durham Bulls, 7:05 p.m. ET at Gwinnett Field. It’s Pink in the Park, presented by Northside Hospital, and Fireworks Friday, presented by Akins Ford. Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. on 1077TheBreeze.com (high school football airs on MyCountry993.com). TV Broadcast: Peachtree Sports Network (Tape delay, airs at 6:00 p.m. On August 23).  Live Video Stream: Bally Sports Live.