The Memphis Redbirds dropped game three of a six-game series to the Gwinnett Stripers on Thursday night at Coolray Field by a final score of 5-3.
Right fielder Alec Burleson continues to come up clutch for Memphis. With two outs and the Redbirds trailing 3-1 in the top of the sixth inning, Burleson smacked an opposite-field two-run homer to tie the game. Thursday night was the second-consecutive game in which Burleson tied the contest with a two-out home run in the sixth inning.
Kramer Robertson also added a home run to his season total. The second baseman, who was a late addition to the lineup with the promotion of Nolan Gorman, hit a solo home run with two outs in the sixth for Memphis’ first run of the game. Robertson also drew his team-leading 20th walk of the season in the top of the eighth inning, equaling his hit total on the season (20).
Redbirds starter Zack Thompson started the game perfectly in his eighth start of the season. The left-hander retired the first ten Stripers he faced before a walk in the fourth inning. He had not allowed a hit until Gwinnett led off the fifth with three consecutive singles, all of which scored, to start a three-run frame.
Thompson would allow a two-out two-run home run in the sixth to take his first loss of the season.
The Memphis Redbirds (21-18) return to Coolray Field for the fourth game of a six-game series against the Gwinnett Stripers (19-20) on Friday, May 20 for a 6:05 p.m. CDT first pitch.
Communications and Public Relations Assistant/Broadcaster for the Memphis Redbirds
