The Memphis Redbirds got back in the win column on Saturday night, snapping a five-game losing streak with an 8-3 win at the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A affiliate, Atlanta Braves) on a sunny and mid-70s night at Coolray Field.
The Redbirds (9-14) scored their first run in the second inning, stringing together a Conner Capel walk, a Tyler Heineman single, and a Kramer Robertson sacrifice fly to push across the game’s first tally.
Memphis truly flexed its offensive muscles in the top of the fourth inning, scoring four runs in the frame on four hits to push the lead to 5-0. Clint Coulter had the big blow of the inning, smashing a three-run, no-doubt home run to left field to cap off the scoring. It was Coulter’s first hit as a Redbird in his seventh game with the team.
Andrew Miller started the game for Memphis on an MLB rehab assignment, tossing a scoreless first inning with two strikeouts. Connor Thomas took the reigns after that, retiring the first eight batters he faced in his inaugural outing with the Redbirds.
After that, Gwinnett (13-10) began to chip away, scoring single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Jason Kipnis came across home plate in the fourth, followed by Travis Demeritte’s tally in the fifth. The Stripers managed to score the two runs while having just two combined hits in the fourth and fifth innings.
Memphis answered back with a run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from Coulter, scoring Capel. Capel scored three of Memphis’ eight runs on the night.
John Nogowski and Coulter completed the ‘Birds scoring with solo shots to left while leading off the eighth and ninth innings respectively. Nogowski now has two home runs in 15 games with Memphis during the Triple-A season, while Coulter finished the evening with five runs driven in.
Gwinnett threatened late, but couldn’t complete the comeback. The Stripers pushed across a run in the eighth on an RBI single from Sean Kazmar, Jr., but their night was marked by missed opportunities. The home team left nine runners on base, including two runners on base in the fourth, fifth, and eighth innings.
The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Memphis has claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998. For the latest team news, follow the Redbirds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Ticket information can be found at memphisredbirds.com/tickets
