LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – The Memphis Redbirds dropped the first game in a six-game series at the Louisville Bats (Triple-A affiliate, Cincinnati Reds), 9-3, on a sunny Tuesday night in Louisville.
Matthew Liberatore started the game for Memphis (21-34), but it wasn’t his night. The reigning Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Month allowed eight runs (six earned) on 14 hits in 4.2 innings. Liberatore allowed seven of the eight runs in his first three innings of work.
Constant offense was the story of the night for Louisville (22-32), as the Bats rapped out 18 hits on their way to victory. Seven different batters had multi-hit games. Former Redbird Max Schrock went 3-3 at the plate with two walks and two runs scored. Even the starting pitcher for Louisville, Michael Mariot, got in on the fun. He hit a home run, smacked a single, and drove in two runs.
Mariot was also solid on the mound. The righthander pitched five innings of one-run ball, allowing five hits while striking three and walking one.
Juan Yepez continued his hot hitting at the plate for the Redbirds, launching a solo home run in the top of the third. He finished the night 2-3 at the plate. He has hits in 14 of his last 15 games, batting .348 during that time.
Memphis’ bullpen pitched well, as Grant Black, Garrett Williams and Roel Ramírez combined to toss 3.1 scoreless innings tonight. The ‘Birds also closed strong, scoring twice in the top of the ninth on four hits. Clint Coulter had a pinch-hit, RBI single to bring home the final run for Memphis on the night.
