TOLEDO, Ohio – The Memphis Redbirds’ tough two-week road trip continued on Tuesday night, as they ran out of firepower in an 8-4 loss at the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A affiliate, Detroit Tigers). The ‘Birds have now lost six of their first seven games on a 12-game road trip.
Early on, the news was good for Memphis (16-27), as they scored the game’s first run in the top of the third on an RBI single from Evan Mendoza. Angel Rondón looked sharp early in his start too, working two consecutive scoreless innings to start the game with four strikeouts.
However, the night began to unravel in the bottom of the third. Toledo (22-20) plated four runs on six hits, with three doubles in the inning. Christin Stewart had the final double, driving in a run in the process. The former top Tigers prospect finished the game 2-3 at the plate with two doubles, an RBI and a walk.
To the Redbirds’ credit, they rallied back with three runs in the top of the fifth to tie the game at 4. The runs came via the long ball, as Juan Yepez smacked a solo home run with one out in the inning, followed by a game-tying, two-run shot from Lane Thomas with two outs in the frame. Thomas was playing just his third game of the season with Memphis – he has spent the season primarily with St. Louis.
After that, it was all Mud Hens. Toledo scored twice in the fifth and sixth innings to put the game away for good. Grayson Greiner, Zack Short and Jacob Robson each hit solo homers between the two innings. The home team finished the game with 12 hits, seven of which were for extra bases
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
