MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds had the tying run on second base with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, but the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A Royals) escaped with a 4-3 win in the series opener Monday night in Memphis.
The loss was Memphis’ fifth-straight. The Redbirds (8-13) out-hit the Storm Chasers (15-8) in the game, 8-7, and had the leadoff runner on base in the fourth through seventh innings while trying to mount a comeback.
Carlos Peguero and Jonathan Rodriguez each were 2-for-5 for Memphis, and Charlie Tilson extended his hitting streak to nine games with a double in the sixth.
Omaha touched Memphis starter J.C. Sulbaran for three runs in the third inning on a Cheslor Cuthbert two-out, three-run home run to left field. The Storm Chasers picked up a fourth run in the sixth when Jose Martinez doubled and scored three batters later when Balbino Fuenmayor singled, also with two outs in the inning.
The Redbirds got a run back in the home-half of the seventh, when Peguero scored on a sacrifice fly by Dean Anna after walking to start the frame.
The Memphis bullpen of Heath Wyatt, Juan Gonzalez and Sam Tuivailala did their jobs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings, allowing just one baserunner, a hit-by-pitch in the seventh.
That set up Memphis’ ninth inning, needing three runs to tie. Peguero singled to start the inning, and Mike Ohlman walked with two away to put runners on first and second. Pinch-hitter Patrick Wisdom delivered with a two-run double to right field to bring the Redbirds within one at 4-3, but Tilson grounded out to short to end the ballgame.
Sulbaran took the loss and is 2-2 on the season. Brian Flynn earned the win for Omaha, and Brian Duensing picked up the save.
The Redbirds continue their homestand against Omaha tomorrow night at 6:35 (CT) on King Cotton $1 Hot Dog Day. On Thursday, the Redbirds will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with all-you-can-eat tacos with a $12 TruGreen Bluff ticket or $15 Field Box ticket, both of which are on special pricing for the night. Tacos will be $2 elsewhere in the park, and margaritas will be $5.
The Redbirds are also offering a Mother’s Day celebration ticket package, where fans will receive four Field Box tickets to the game on Saturday, May 21, four food vouchers for a hot dog and soft drink, a $25 gift card to Seasons 52 restaurant and the opportunity for a pregame family picture on the field, all for $89. The game also features postgame fireworks.
For tickets or for more information on the 2016 Redbirds season, contact the Redbirds front office at (901) 721-6000 or visit www.memphisredbirds.com.
