Austin Riley hits home run but Gwinnett Stripers lose playoff opener

Austin Riley

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Austin Riley

Austin Riley and Adam Duvall hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning but the Gwinnett Stripers lost to Columbus 5-4 in Game 1 of the Governors' Cup semifinals Wednesday night at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville.

The Stripers are the Triple-A minor-league affiliate of the Braves.

Other than the homers, Gwinnett managed just four hits.

Tucker Davidson started for the Stripers and gave up five runs (four earned) and eight hits in 3-2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out three.

Gwinnett won the International League South Division while the Clippers won the West Division.

Game 2 of the best-of-five series is Thursday at 7:05 p.m. at Coolray Field. Right-hander Ian Anderson (1-2, 6.57 ERA) starts for the Stripers.