MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds clinched the 2026 International League First Half Championship with the club’s 10-8 victory over the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A, Milwaukee Brewers) on Sunday afternoon at AutoZone Park.
With the win and Rochester’s 9-6 loss at Toledo, Memphis claimed its first-ever International League title in any form since joining the league ahead of the 2021 season (then, Triple-A East) and first playoff berth since the 2018 Triple-A Championship. The Redbirds are scheduled to host the 2026 International League Championship Series at AutoZone Park Sept. 22-24 with tickets set to go on sale on a date to be announced.
Memphis started the game with a bang in the bottom of the first. Third baseman César Prieto started the scoring with an RBI single. One batter later, right fielder Joshua Báez smacked his sixth home run of the series, a three-run shot to make it 4-0.
First baseman Bligh Madris grinded out an at-bat later in the inning and drilled a solo homer of his own to cap off a five-run first. The Redbirds continued to add to the lead and ultimately held a 10-1 lead at the start of the sixth inning.
Starting pitcher Quinn Mathews allowed one run on one hit, walked three and struck out four in 4.0 innings pitched. The left-handed pitcher allowed a solo home run in the top of the fourth, the only hit Mathews allowed in the game.
MLB Rehabbing Ryan Fernandez tossed a perfect fifth inning in his second MLB Rehab appearance of the stint. Ryan Murphy worked the final frame and rolled a ground ball to a diving shortstop Thomas Saggese for the title-clinching final out.
The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park on Tuesday, June 30 to begin a six-game series against the Charlotte Knights (Triple-A, Chicago White Sox) with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT.
About the Memphis Redbirds
The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998, the Redbirds have claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, the Redbirds play their home games at AutoZone Park, one of the premier ballparks in the nation. Alongside their parent company, Diamond Baseball Holdings, the Redbirds are committed to providing an exceptional baseball experience for fans of all ages, featuring top Cardinals prospects, exciting promotions, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With a tradition of excellence both on and off the field, the Memphis Redbirds actively contribute to the community by hosting a wide variety of events at AutoZone Park and participating in numerous charitable initiatives. For more information, visit www.memphisredbirds.com.
Contact
Memphis Redbirds Communications Team, (901) 721-6000 or communications@memphisredbirds.com