Redbirds Complete Five-Game Sweep of Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Memphis Redbirds (53-32) topped the Iowa Cubs (Chicago) 7-5, Tuesday night at Principal Park. With the win, the Redbirds completed the five-game sweep of the I-Cubs. It is Memphis’ first five-game sweep since they swept Iowa in five games from July 25-27 in 2014. Memphis has also now won a season-high six-straight games.

The ‘Birds jumped out to a quick lead in the first via an RBI single from Luke Voit. Normally dominant starter Dakota Hudson struggled in the first inning, but finished strong to earn his 12^th win of the year. The righty allowed four earned runs in the first frame on four hits and a hit-by-pitch to put the ‘Birds behind early. Hudson finished the game pitching 6.0 innings, allowing six hits, four earned runs, and one walk, while striking out six batters. He now has a 2.37 ERA on the year, and his 12 wins are now tied for the fifth-most in a season in Redbirds’ history.

Memphis wasted no time getting back in the game in the second. They scored three runs on a two-run home run from Randy Arozarena, his fourth of the year, and another run on Voit’s second RBI single of the game. The game remained knotted at four runs apiece until the ‘Birds broke through in the fifth. Voit provided the spark again in the frame, leading off with his fifth home run of the season. The ‘Birds grabbed two more runs in the seventh on Paul DeJong’s two-run bomb.

After Hudson exited the game, Matt Bowman, Luke Gregerson, and Andrew Morales combined to close out the game. They pitched 3.0 innings, allowing three hits and one unearned run, while striking out four batters. Offensively, Voit, Oscar Mercado and DeJong all recorded multiple hits for the Redbirds, going 3-for-5, 3-for-4, and 2-for-4, respectively.

After his three-hit night, Voit is now 12-for-15 in his last four games with five extra-base hits and nine RBI. Mercado also stole a base in the game, giving him 21 on the season, and putting him in sole possession of the seventh-most steals in a season in Redbirds history.

Memphis returns to AutoZone Park tomorrow for the 4th of July Celebration, presented by AutoZone. For more information on the 4th of July Celebration, visit www.memphisredbirds.com/4thofJuly. Memphis will play five games at home against Omaha heading into the All-Star Break. For more information on single-game tickets and ticket mini-memberships, visit www.memphisredbirds.com.