OMAHA, Neb. – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game series and 12-game road trip with a 5-4 extra-inning win over the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A, Kansas City Royals) on Thursday night at Werner Park.
For the third straight game, right fielder Joshua Báez clobbered a home run against the Omaha Storm Chasers. The right-handed hitter’s fifth home run of the series came on a solo shot in the fourth inning. An inning later, Báez clubbed his second triple of the season to bring in another RBI.
First baseman Bligh Madris added a solo home run of his own in the top of the fourth inning, his sixth of the season. Five of the six Memphis hits in the extra-inning victory went for extra bases. The Redbirds took the lead in the top of the 10th inning on a left fielder Matt Koperniak sacrifice fly to plate designated hitter Blaze Jordan.
Starting pitcher Quinn Mathews allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits, walked three and struck out a season-high tying eight batters. The eight strikeouts marked the left-handed pitcher’s highest tally since his season-high mark set on April 15 against the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A, Atlanta Braves).
Luis Gastelum (5-1) tossed 2.0 perfect innings on five strikeouts to earn his team-leading fifth win of the season. The right-handed reliever struck out the side in the bottom of the 10th with the tying run placed a second base to begin the inning.
With the win, Memphis jumped a 0.5-game ahead of the Rochester Red Wings (Triple-A, Washington Nationals) for first place in the International League standings.
The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park on Tuesday, June 2 to begin a six-game series against the Louisville Bats (Triple-A, Cincinnati Reds) 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