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Z's come back to complete sweep

Cousins delivers game-winning single in 8th for sweep
April 12, 2012
Scott Cousins laced a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning, giving the New Orleans Zephyrs a 3-2 win over the Memphis Redbirds on Thursday night to complete a four-game sweep.

It was the first four-game sweep of the Redbirds at Zephyr Field since 2007, the same season the Z's last completed a 7-1 homestand. The 7-1 start to the 2012 campaign ties the team's best since moving to New Orleans in 1993.

While the Zephyrs carried a league-best 0.90 ERA into Thursday's game, the Redbirds grabbed a lead after just three batters. Adron Chambers led off with a single against Zephyrs starter Wade LeBlanc, then moved to second on a walk to Ryan Jackson.

Matt Adams followed with a single to left-center to put the Redbirds up 1-0. One out later, Chase Lambin allowed ground ball to slip between his legs, scoring Jackson to make it 2-0 Redbirds.

In the fourth, Sergio Pedroza, making his first start of the season for the Zephyrs, blasted a two-run homer over the right field wall to tie the score, where it remained until the eighth.

After Redbirds reliever Nick Greenwood retired the first two batters, Donovan Solano drilled a double into the right-center field gap, then scored on Cousins' single.

Cousins became the sixth different Zephyr to drive in a game-winning run in the team's seven victories.

Rob Delaney (1-0) struck out three in two innings of relief to pick up the win. LeBlanc lasted five innings, notching eight strikeouts and yielding two runs - one earned - on six hits.

Greenwood (0-1) was charged with the loss for the Redbirds, who have dropped seven straight.

The Zephyrs embark on their first road trip on Friday, opening a four-game series in Nashville. The Z's will start right-hander Tom Koehler against Sounds' righty Brian Baker.