'Birds drop fourth straight in extra innings

Metairie, LA - The Memphis Redbirds bullpen was stellar last night in the series opener at New Orleans, but the Zephyrs broke through in the thirteenth inning as Clint Sammons' two-run home run beat the 'Birds 5-3.

Four Memphis relievers blanked the Z's for seven innings before Sammons' game-winning heroics. Ben Lasater led off the thirteenth with a single. Chris Aguila followed that with vicious line drive to the left side of the infield but was snagged by a diving Zack Cox at third. Sammons was next at the plate, batting for the first time in the game. He then took Adam Reifer's (0-1) second pitch just inside the left field foul pole, handing the Redbirds their fourth consecutive defeat.

Elih Villanueva (1-2) worked out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the inning to pick up the victory.

Memphis scored all of their runs with the long ball. Amaury Cazana's two-run homer in the second inning gave the Redbirds a 2-1 lead. Cedric Hunter's solo shot in the fifth extended the lead to 3-1. New Orleans tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a Scott Cousins RBI-double and Ben Lasater's sacrifice fly.

While the 'Birds pen was busy holding the Z's hitless for seven inning, the New Orleans relievers extended their scoreless streak to 19.2 innings.

Memphis out-hit New Orleans 14-9 in the game, but stranded fourteen base runners. They continue to struggle with runners in scoring position, going hitless Monday night in seven opportunities.

Notes: Redbirds catcher Steven Hill was placed on the disabled list Monday with a foot injury. Luis De La Cruz was promoted from Palm Beach (Florida State League) to take Hill's place on the roster.

Tonight's probables:
Memphis - RHP Brandon Dickson (1-0, 1.69)
New Orleans - RHP Alex Sanabia 0-0, 1.29)