William Contreras drives in game-winner, bullpen shines in Stripers win

LAWRENCEVILLE — The Gwinnett Stripers secured an exciting 2-1 victory over the Nashville Sounds on Friday, Jackie Robinson Day and Salute to the Atlanta Black Crackers Night at Coolray Field.

Justin Dean cut down Tyler White at home plate to end the top of eighth inning and keep the game knotted at 1-1. William Contreras doubled in Pat Valaika to give the Stripers (5-5) the lead in the bottom of the eighth.

Contreras finished the night 1-for-3 with the RBI double and a walk. Dean went 2-for-3 with a double. The Stripers bullpen, consisting of Brandyn Sittinger, Brandon Brennan, Thomas Burrows and Brad Brach (1-0), combined to strike out 11 and did not allow an earned run over seven innings.

Spot starter Nick Vincent struck out four over two innings in his first Triple-A start since 2008. The Stripers combined to strike out 15 hitters, by far the most this season and matching a high set four separate times in 2021.

Gwinnett plays Nashville again Saturday at 6:05 p.m. at Coolray Field. Left-hander Tucker Davidson will start for the Stripers vs. left-hander Ethan Small (0-0, 1.23 ERA) for the Sounds (6-4).