Redbirds drop double-dip

Redbirds drop double-dip

Memphis Redbirds NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – The Memphis Redbirds (57-61) were swept in a Tuesday night doubleheader at New Orleans (Triple-A Marlins), 6-4 and 1-0, in the second-straight doubleheader between the two clubs.

The game two loss was Memphis’ second 1-0 defeat of the series, as game one on Monday was also a 1-0 New Orleans win. Of the 15 games this season between Memphis and New Orleans, there have been three 1-0 games, three other shutouts and four other games decided by one run.

Game 1 New Orleans scored in the bottom of the first, and the 1-0 lead held until Memphis plated three runs in the top of the third to lead 3-1. In the inning, Jacob Wilson doubled, and the bases were loaded by back-to-back walks.

Randal Grichuk roped a ball to third base, and Matt Juengel made a great play to get an out but the Redbirds scored a run. Jose Martinez followed with a two-run single.

New Orleans scored again in the fourth and four more in the fifth, and Memphis trailed 6-3 after five innings of play. In the seventh, Breyvic Valera singled to extend his hitting streak to 10 games and Matt Williams walked, and Martinez had an RBI groundout after a Grichuk flyout. But Harrison Bader struck out to end the game.

Kurt Heyer took the loss after giving up six runs, five earned, on 10 hits in 5.0 innings. He struck out five and did not issue a walk.

Game 2 Memphis had five hits, with the only extra-base hit being a David Washington double, in a 1-0 loss in game two. Thomas Lee worked 4.0 innings in his first start since May 11, and he allowed one run on six hits. John Brebbia pitched 2.0 scoreless innings of relief and gave up one hit.

Valera’s 10-game hitting streak ended with an 0-for-3 showing. Mike Ohlman extended his streak to six games after going 1-for-3 in game two.

The Redbirds and New Orleans finish their sixgame, four-day series tomorrow night at 6:00 (CT). Memphis returns to AutoZone Park later this week for eight games running Friday through Friday the 19th. The upcoming homestand features a “Yadi-Air Freshener” giveaway on Friday, a Trevor Rosenthal Talking Bobblehead Theme Ticket and postgame fireworks on Saturday the 13th, and weekly promotions Prairie Farms Ice Cream Sunday, King Cotton $1 Hot Dog Night (Tuesday) and College Night (Thursday).

For tickets or for more information on the 2016 Redbirds season, contact the Redbirds front office at (901) 721-6000 or visit www.memphisredbirds.co m.

By Ben Barnette