The Memphis Redbirds became the “Rallybirds” again and outlasted the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A affiliate, Atlanta Braves) by a 4-3 final on Friday night. The game was delayed an hour and fifteen minutes due to rain and went three hours and 41 minutes.
Once the game finally got going, Memphis (13-21) plated the game’s first run in the bottom of the second inning. With two runners on base and two outs, John Nogowski floated a soft single into center field, scoring Connor Thomas.
Unfortunately for the Redbirds, the lead wouldn’t last. Gwinnett (18-16) pushed across two runs in the third and one in the fourth, highlighted by a two-run home run from Orlando Arcia in third. He has 15 hits in 10 games against Memphis this season, adding a double later in the game.
The game remained 3-1 until the bottom of the seventh, when the ‘Birds dusted off their rally caps. First, with two outs in seventh, Juan Yepez laced a double to the left-center field gap, scoring two runners to knot the game at three. Then, in the bottom of the eighth, Conner Capel lofted a high fly deep down the left-field line, just clearing the high wall and giving Memphis a lead it would never relinquish.
The ‘Birds bullpen was excellent on Friday night, as four pitchers combined to toss 5.1 innings of scoreless ball with just three hits allowed. Roel Ramírez, Brandon Waddell, Evan Kruczynski, and Connor Jones struck out six batters while walking just two, clinching the late-night victory.
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.
Next Game
Saturday, June 12 vs. Gwinnett (6:35 p.m. CT)
– Redbirds Probable Starter: LHP Matthew Liberatore
– Stripers Probable Starter: RHP Jasseel De La Cruz
