LAWRENCEVILLE, Georgia – Davis Polo dazzled in his Triple-A debut on Saturday night, firing 6.0 scoreless innings for the win as the Gwinnett Stripers (38-36, 76-72) defeated the Indianapolis Indians (43-31, 74-75) 2-1 at Gwinnett Field. The Indians lead the final series of the season 3-2, but the loss eliminates them from second half title contention.
Decisive Plays: Both teams exchanged scoreless frames for the first five innings, as the 21-year-old Polo (W, 1-0) struck out three and allowed just four hits over his 6.0 innings. After a weather delay following the top of the sixth, the Stripers’ offense got going. Luke Williams roped a leadoff double out of the break before Patrick Clohisy drew a walk to set up runners on first and third for Gwinnett. Rowdy Tellez drove a double to deep right-center to give the Stripers a 2-0 lead. In the eighth, Indianapolis cut the lead to 2-1 after an infield popup was lost in the lights and fell for a base hit to make it 2-1. In the ninth, Bailey Falter (H, 6) and Blake Burkhalter (S, 2) combined to retire the side for a 2-1 victory.
Key Contributors: Tellez (1-for-4, double, 2 RBIs) drove in both runs for Gwinnett. Polo (6.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 SO) earned the second quality start of the week by a Stripers’ starting pitcher. For Indianapolis, Jhostynxon Garcia (2-for-4, RBI) had the only RBI. Thomas Harrington struck out four over 5.0 scoreless, two-hit innings in a no-decision.
Noteworthy: Polo's Triple-A debut was the longest by a Striper and first quality start since Lucas Braun on September 6, 2025 vs. Durham (win, 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER). Tellez raised his team-leading RBI total to 67. Falter extended his scoreless streak to 11.2 innings since joining the Stripers on August 2.
Next Game (Sunday, September 20): Gwinnett Stripers vs. Indianapolis Indians, 1:05 p.m. ET at Gwinnett Field. Fan Appreciation Weekend concludes as the first 1,000 fans receive a Stripers 2026 Team Photo Giveaway. It’s also COUNTRY Financial Sunday Funday featuring Pre-Game Catch on the Field and Post-Game EVERYONE Runs the Bases. Radio Broadcast: 12:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com. Live Video Stream: Bally Sports Live.