Big leaguers win ‘Battle of the Birds’

Big leaguers win ‘Battle of the Birds’

St. Louis Cardinals beat Memphis Redbirds in annual exhibition

sports@theeveningtimes.com

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The weather is always a question mark this time of year, and it seems like every season, the rains roll in with the St. Louis Cardnials .

But this year, although it got chilly in the later innings, things stayed dry as the St. Louis Cardinals were in town Monday night to take on the Redbirds in the annual “Battle of the Birds” exhibition between the big league club and their top minor league affiliate.

There were plenty of fans on hand at AutoZone Park to see their favorite Cardinals players like Yadier Molina and former redbirds like Michael Wacha. They also got to see the Redbirds receive their Triple-A National Championship rings.

As far as the exhibition, Marcell Ozuna, looking in mid-season form, belted a three-run homer off teammate Adam Wainwright in the fourth inning to make it 3-1 Cards.

Michael Wacha saw the mound as well. He’d get Lane Thomas swinging. As the game went on, the Cards showed off some defense, and before the night was over, Adolis Garcia tracked down a bloop fly towards first base and made a diving catch to take away what looked to be a sure-fire single.

The Cards went on to beat the Redbirds 6-3. St. Louis opens up the 2019 regular season today against the defending NL Central Champions, the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Redbirds are hosting a free Fan Fest at AutoZone Park from 3 to 6 p.m., on Saturday, March 30, with the event featuring numerous family activities and autographs with members of the 2019 Redbirds.

Fan Fest is scheduled to include: Inflatables, games, and activities in the Plaza Activities on the field (weather permitting) Chances to win prizes Garage sale Select-a-seat for Season Memberships and Mini Plans Season Membership orientation Team autographs from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

Opening Night for the two-time defending Pacific Coast League champion and 2018 Triple-A National Champion Redbirds is Thursday, April 4. For more information on the 2019 season, visit www.memphisredbirds. com.

Last Chance for MYSA Baseball Registration

Run, don’t walk! — Sign-ups are almost over for the Spring 2019 MYSA Baseball Season. Sign up online at GoMYSA.com. Leagues are forming now for Tee Ball in the 3-4 year-old division, Tee Ball in the 5-6 year-old divison, and baseball for ages 7-13. Sunday, March 31, is the absolute last day to signup for baseball. You can register at gomsya. com for $60. For more information, visit GoMYSA.com or the Marion Youth Sports Association Facebook page.

Photo by Ralph Hardin

By the Evening Times Sports Staff