Right fielder Abraham Almonte hit the go-ahead RBI double in the 12th inning to bring Gwinnett a season opening win over the Knights at Truist Field in Charlotte, N.C.

It was the Stripers’ first game since Sept. 7, 2019, and the first under new manager Matt Tuiasosopo.

Almonte’s double to left field scored Travis Demeritte to give the Stripers a 9-8 advantage. Almonte scored from third on a throwing error by Charlotte second baseman Matt Reynolds to make it 10-8. Charlotte tacked on a run in the bottom frame, but stranded the game-tying run at second.

Gwinnett pitcher Kyle Muller made his Triple-A debut, allowing 7 runs off 5 hits in three innings. Five relievers combined to allow two runs on three hits over the final nine innings.

Stripers second baseman Ryan Goins (2-for-5) and designated hitter Demeritte (3-for-6) both homered, accounting for six of Gwinnett’s runs.

Gwinnett is now 8-4 all-time on opening night, and 4-0 when facing Charlotte.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Danny Young, 31, was with the Braves organization in 2022 and 2023, making eight major-league appearances. (Jason Getz/AJC 2023)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo