COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – The Memphis Redbirds led 5-0 and 8-5 in game one of a Thursday night doubleheader at the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Triple-A Brewers) and then 1-0 after the top of the fifth in game two, but the Sky Sox rallied in both contests and swept the doubleheader, 9-8 and 7-5.
Memphis (34-39) was led at the plate by Matt Williams, who was a combined 5-for-6 with three runs scored and an RBI on the night, and David Washington hit two home runs in game one. Jose Martinez had three doubles in game two for the Redbirds, who outhit the Sky Sox (34-37) in both contests. Carlos Peguero drove in four runs on the night.
In game one, Memphis jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the top of the first, thanks in part to Washington’s first home run of the game. Washington’s long ball was his first in 57 at bats since June 2. Williams singled up the middle to score Jacob Wilson for the fourth run of the inning, which began when Peguero grounded out but drove in Charlie Tilson.
Peguero led off the third with a first-pitch home run to center field, and the Redbirds led 5-0 after two-and-a-half innings. The Sky Sox came all the way back with five runs in the bottom of the third after drawing three walks off Alex Reyes before a Will Middlebrooks grand slam.
Washington’s second homer of the night gave Memphis a 6-5 lead to start the fifth inning, and Middlebrooks committed a two-run error with Randal Grichuk pinch hitting to make the score 8-5 in favor of the Redbirds heading to the bottom of the fifth in the seven-inning game. However, the Sky Sox drew three walks and benefitted from a Redbirds error in a four-run sixth inning to plate the eventual winning run.
Memphis walked seven and made three errors in game one, and the Redbirds left eight runners on base in seven at bats.
Memphis again scored first in game two, when Martinez doubled home Williams, who singled to start the game.
The lead held through the top of the fifth, as Corey Littrell, making his first Triple-A start, retired 10 of the 11 Sky Sox he faced through 3.1 innings.
The Sky Sox exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fifth to take control of the game, scoring three runs off John Brebbia and two off Ryan Sherriff. The Redbirds scored a run in the top of the sixth but gave up two in the bottom-half and trailed 7-2 heading into the top of the final inning.
The Redbirds tried to make a comeback with three in the top of the seventh but could not get the job done and lost game two, 7-5.
Memphis and Colorado Springs play their sixth game in four days tomorrow night at 8:05 (CT) before the Redbirds return to AutoZone Park Saturday–Tuesday. The upcoming homestand features a replica Cardinals 2006 World Series Trophy giveaway and a Princess & Pirates Theme Ticket on Saturday, Prairie Farms Ice Cream Sunday and King Cotton $1 Hot Dog Night on Tuesday for the finale.
For tickets or for more information on the 2016 Redbirds season, contact the Redbirds front office at (901) 721-6000 or visit www.memphisredbirds.com.
