The Memphis Redbirds dropped their fourth straight game in game five of a six-game series to the Gwinnett Stripers on Saturday night by a final score of 6-5.
Left fielder Alec Burleson continued his premier production with his second consecutive three-hit outing, driving in a pair of runs and smashing his ninth home run of the season. Burleson was two steps away from a three-RBI night, but center fielder Conner Capel was thrown out at the plate in the top of the eighth inning.
Shortstop Paul DeJong and designated hitter Ben DeLuzio also had multi-hit efforts, producing two hits each. DeLuzio led off the ninth inning with his career-high fifth home run of the season to pull Memphis within a run. DeLuzio also added an RBI single in the top of the fifth inning.
Memphis had multiple opportunities squandered in Saturday’s loss. In each the fifth, seventh and eighth innings, the Redbirds stranded a runner at third base. With the bases loaded in the top of the eighth, right fielder Scott Hurst grounded out to the first baseman to end the frame.
Starting pitcher Aaron Brooks made his second start for Memphis this season, drawing his second loss of the year after allowing five earned runs. All five runs reached base and scored with two outs in the third inning thanks to a string of five consecutive hits, including a three-run home run from Alex Dickerson.
The Memphis Redbirds (21-20) return to Coolray Field for the final game of the 12-game road trip against the Gwinnett Stripers (21-20) on Sunday, May 22 for a 12:05 p.m. CDT first pitch.
