St. Louis Cardinals superstar catcher Yadier Molina made his first appearance as a Memphis Redbird since 2004, catching five innings on an injury rehabilitation assignment, with the Redbirds dropping the series opener to the El Paso Chihuahuas (Padres) Friday night at AutoZone Park, 6-1.
Molina, a nine-time Major League Baseball All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner, made one plate appearance before leaving the game. Fellow Cardinals rehabber Matt Carpenter was 0-for-2 with a walk in his innings of action Friday night.
Joe Hudson, Molina’s replacement behind the plate, went 2-for-2 and drove in Memphis’ (48-63) run on the night. Justin Williams also had two hits.
After Jake Woodford started and allowed four runs on seven hits in 6.0 innings and Zac Rosscup allowed two runs, Seth Elledge and Dominic Leone pitched the final 3.0 innings for the Redbirds in scoreless fashion with seven combined strikeouts.
Ty France was 4-for-5 with a double, an RBI, and two runs scored for the Chihuahuas (66-45).
Memphis and El Paso continue their series tomorrow night at 6:35. The teams are in action at AutoZone Park through Monday night.
Upcoming Games of Note at AutoZone Park
Saturday, August 3 at 6:35: Terminix Saturday Fireworks Show after the game; Back to School Night presented by Walmart with a free fully-loaded backpack to the first 1,500 kids ages 12 and under; Mystery bobblehead specialty ticket with a random bobblehead; Aldo’s Pizza specialty ticket with free soda at the ballpark and free and discounted food and beverages at Aldo’s Pizza Pies available at www.memphisredbirds.com/aldos
Sunday, August 4 at 2:05: Redbirds Wiffle Bat giveaway to the first 2,000 fans presented by Prairie Farms Dairy; Prairie Farms Ice Cream Sunday (free ice cream for kids upon entering); pregame player autographs presented by Allegiant Air; kids run the bases after the game
Monday, August 5 at 6:35: the Redbirds take the field as the Memphis Música as part of Minor League Baseball’s “Copa de la Diversión” series with $3 tacos and $5 Dos Equis available at the stadium
For more information on the 2019 season, visit www.memphisredbirds.com.
