The Memphis Redbirds stayed hot, winning game four of a six game series at the Charlotte Knights at Truist Field in Charlotte, N.C. on Friday night, taking the win with a final score of 8-2.
Shortstop Paul DeJong blasted his fourth home run of the year and third of the series off MLB rehabber Lance Lynn to drive home designated hitter Tyler O’Neill. DeJong went 2-for-3 with a homer, double and a walk and scored all three times he reached base.
O’Neill, in his first MLB rehab start, went 3-for-5 with two singles and a double, reaching base safely in each of his first three at-bats.
Catcher Ali Sanchez got the scoring started in the top of the second inning with his third home run of the year and second of the series. Sanchez also threw out his ninth attempted stealer of the season in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Center fielder Ben DeLuzio added a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning. The blast marks his eighth home run of the season, doubling his previous career high of four. The right-handed batter is one home run away from equaling his career home run total coming into the 2022 season (9).
Memphis starter James Naile was tremendous in his second start of the year, tossing 4.0 scoreless innings and striking out three Knights batters. Zach McAllister (2-0) earned the win in relief for the second straight night. Junior Fernandez earned his third save of the year.
The Memphis Redbirds (30-22) will head to Charlotte, North Carolina for game five of a six-game series against the Charlotte Knights (18-34) on Saturday, June 4 for a 6:04 p.m. CDT first pitch.
Communications and Public Relations Assistant/Broadcaster for the Memphis Redbirds
