MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds made it wins on back-to-back nights over the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A affiliate, Atlanta Braves), earning a 6-1 win on a humid and hot night at AutoZone Park. A crowd of well over 5,000 fans cheered their hometown team to victory.
Matthew Liberatore grabbed the early headlines, as he twirled a gem on the mound. The top prospect in St. Louis’ system was electric for Memphis (14-21), allowing just one run on four hits in 5.2 innings while striking out six. Liberatore worked a 1-2-3 top of the first with three strikeouts, and barely looked back the rest of his outing.
The bullpen for the ‘Birds backed up their starter, as three relievers combined to keep Gwinnett (18-17) off the scoreboard late in the ballgame. Jesús Cruz, Grant Black and Tyler Webb worked 3.2 scoreless innings of relief with four strikeouts. Black was the most impressive of the bunch, allowing just one hit in two scoreless relief frames with three swinging strikeouts.
Not to be outdone, the Memphis offense produced six runs on 11 hits, including a slew of clutch hits. The banner inning for the ‘Birds was the third, as they scored three runs on three hits. The frame culminated in a two-run single for Kramer Robertson. In the past two games, the former LSU Tiger has five walks, two hits and two runs driven in.
Conner Capel also smacked a solo home run over the right-field fence leading off the bottom of the fifth. The outfielder was the hero of Friday night’s win, as he hit an opposite-field home run over the high wall in left field to propel Memphis to a 4-3 win.
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
Sunday, June 13 vs. Gwinnett (2:05 p.m. CT)
– Redbirds Probable Starter: LHP Bernardo Flores, Jr.
– Stripers Probable Starter: TBD
