Gwinnett Stripers open 2021 season with win over Charlotte Knights

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.

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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.

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