NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After scoring 25 runs in the last four games, Memphis had just one run on three hits, all singles, in a 2-1 loss at Nashville (Triple-A Athletics) Saturday night in The Music City.
Memphis (11-15) has now played 18 one- and two-run games in its 26 games this season, tied with Nashville (13-16) for second most behind Colorado Springs’ 20.
In contrast to last night’s 7-6 Redbird win that featured 23 combined hits, it was a pitcher’s duel from the first pitch Saturday night. J.C. Sulbaran and Zach Neal retired 10- and 16-straight, respectively, at one point during the night, with Neal’s run being the final 16 hitters he faced after giving up a Redbirds run.
Sulbaran worked 5.2 innings and gave up four hits and one run, and Neal was stellar with 8.0 innings of three-hit ball with one run, no walks and four strikeouts.
Memphis opened the scoring with a run in the third off Neal, when Tommy Pham singled home Alberto Rosario, who reached on a single to shallow center field.
The Sounds answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the fourth, which came after a two-out walk by Sulbaran.
Justin Wright relieved Sulbaran with two runners on and two out in the sixth and stranded them both with a strikeout to keep the game tied at one. Nashville got the go-ahead run the following inning when Bruce Maxwell singled home Matt McBride off Wright, who then gave way to John Church.
Greg Garcia walked with two outs in the ninth to end a streak of 18 Redbirds in a row retired, but Jonathan Rodriguez flew out to end the game.
Church took the loss and is 0-1 on the season. In addition to Pham’s RBI single after Rosario’s base knock, Memphis’ other hit was a second-inning Nick Martini single.
Memphis and Nashville finish their series Sunday afternoon at 2:05 (CT) and Monday night at 6:35. After Monday’s series finale, the Redbirds head to Omaha for four games Tuesday–Friday before returning to AutoZone Park on Saturday, May 14 to play eight games in nine days. May 14 is Star Wars Night, Adam Wainwright Bobblehead giveaway and postgame fireworks.
The upcoming homestand also features Prairie Farms Ice Cream Sunday (May 15), two Education Days on May 16 and 17, King Cotton $1 Hot Dog Day (May 17), College Night (May 19), Silky’s hat giveaway (May 20), replica Cardinals Yadier Molina jersey giveaway and postgame fireworks (May 21) and another Prairie Farms Ice Cream Sunday (May 22).
The Redbirds are offering a Mother’s Day celebration ticket package, where fans will receive four Field Box tickets to the game on Saturday, May 21, four food vouchers for a hot dog and soft drink, a $25 gift card to Seasons 52 restaurant and the opportunity for a pregame family picture on the field, all for $89. The game also features postgame fireworks.
For tickets or for more information on the 2016 Redbirds season, contact the Redbirds front office at (901) 721-6000 or visit www.memphisredbirds.com.
