The Memphis Redbirds dropped game three of a six-game series with the Norfolk Tides at AutoZone Park on Thursday night by the final score of 6-4.
Yadier Molina made his first MLB Rehab appearance of the season. The veteran catcher appeared as the designated hitter for Memphis, reaching base three times, scoring once and recording a stolen base.
The Redbirds scored all four of its runs in the fifth inning against Tides starter Matt Harvey on base hits from shortstop Evan Mendoza, third baseman Irving Lopez, second baseman Delvin Perez and right fielder Moises Gomez and a two-run homer from Scott Hurst.
Left-handed starting pitcher Connor Thomas was dealt the tough-luck loss. Thomas tossed 5.2 innings, allowed five runs on six hits, with just two earned runs allowed.
Matt Koperniak made his Triple-A debut in the seventh inning, appearing as a pinch runner for Molina. Koperniak stole second base in the inning and was 0-for-1 at the plate.
The Memphis Redbirds (52-44) return to AutoZone Park on Friday night against the Norfolk Tides (46-50), Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles for a scheduled 7:05 p.m. CDT first pitch.
