ROUND ROCK, Texas – The defending Pacific Coast League champion Memphis Redbirds sent 17 hitters to the plate in a 12-run 7th inning Friday night in Round Rock, Texas, turning a two-run game into a rout in the season’s second game and ultimately ending in a 17-4 win over the Round Rock Express (Rangers).
In the decisive 7th, the Redbirds (2-0) had seven hits, drew six walks, took advantage of two wild pitches and an error, and also saw a passed ball by the Express (0-2). The 12-run inning was Memphis’ first double-digit frame since a 10-run 5th at Reno on Aug. 4, 2011, and its most in a single inning since at least 2003.
The Redbirds have scored 25 runs in the first two games of the 2018 season. Memphis is 18-2 in its last 20 games against Round Rock.
Tyler O’Neill hit two home runs and drove in five runs on the night, and Max Schrock was 4-for-6 with three runs scored. Every player in the Redbirds’ lineup had at least one hit. Randy Arozarena drove in three runs in his Triple-A debut, and Carson Kelly drew three walks.
O’Neill’s home runs came in the 3rd and 5th innings, helping the Redbirds take a 5-2 lead after four-and-a-half frames. The game remained 5-3 in favor of Memphis heading into the 7th, before the Redbirds broke it wide open with the 12-spot.
Dakota Hudson picked up the win with 5.1 innings of work, allowing three runs on six hits. Kevin Herget, Sean Gilmartin, and Andrew Morales followed with 3.2 innings of relief, giving up just one run in the 9th inning.
The Redbirds were 7-for-15 with runners in scoring position.
Memphis and Round Rock continue their series tomorrow night at 6:05. After this current five-game road trip, the Redbirds’ home opener is set for Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. against the Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals). For more information on single-game tickets and ticket mini-memberships, visit www.memphisredbirds.com/tickets.
