Gwinnett Stripers (15-21) 3, Durham Bulls (23-13) 2
Hurston Waldrep was the standout, striking out 10 over 5.1 innings while allowing just two hits and two earned runs. His updated mechanics—particularly a lower leg kick—helped with stability and command, allowing him to get ahead in counts with the fastball and finish hitters off with his off-speed stuff. Although he faltered slightly in his final inning, giving up a two-run homer, it was a major step forward in an up-and-down season.
The bullpen—Michael Peterson, Dylan Dodd, Jesse Chavez, and Wander Suero—combined for 3.2 scoreless innings to seal the win. Offensively, Eddys Leonard’s solo homer and two-RBI night proved decisive in a game where both teams pitched well.
Columbus Clingstones (12-17) 2, Birmingham Barons (14-15) 0
Ian Mejia was dominant, tossing seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and no walks. It was his second straight shutout start and dropped his season ERA to a stellar 1.21. The Clingstones broke through late, with Cal Conley and Ethan Workinger teaming up for a run in the seventh, followed by a Drew Compton RBI double. Shay Schanaman and Rolddy Muñoz shut the door in the final two frames.
Rome Emperors (17-13) 7, Greenville Drive (13-17) 2
Despite giving up two early runs, Adam Maier settled in to throw seven strong innings. He’s now posted a 1.80 ERA across his last three starts. The offense exploded with a wild fifth inning that included two wild pitches and a balk—turning a deficit into a 3-2 lead. They added four more in the seventh, including another bases-loaded walk. Cory Wall and Austin Smith locked things down in the final two innings.
Hickory Crawdads (14-16) 3, Augusta GreenJackets (15-15) 2
Jeremy Reyes returned from injury and looked strong, allowing one hit and two unearned runs over three innings while flashing high-90s velocity. Logan Samuels followed with four innings of solid relief, but Augusta’s offense couldn’t get much going outside of solo home runs from Owen Carey and Nick Montgomery. The GreenJackets managed just three hits total and went hitless with runners in scoring position.
FCL Braves (3-1) 6, FCL Pirates (1-3) 5
Diego Benitez drove in two runs, and Juan Mateo stayed hot with a double, walk, and RBI. Starter Jhonly Taveras threw four scoreless innings in his season debut, helping the FCL Braves hold on for a close win.
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