Redbirds drop eighth straight in home opener

Memphis, TN- The RedHawks put up three runs in the fifth and sixth innings and four in the eighth en route to an 11-3 victory, handing the Redbirds their eighth loss in a row on Friday night at AutoZone Park.

Redbirds starter Shelby Miller (0-2) allowed four runs while striking out six over five innings, leaving after surrendering a home run to Angel Sanchez in the fourth and a two-run home run to Fernando Martinez in the fifth inning. RedHawks starter Jordan Lyles (2-0) pitched seven innings giving up two runs and striking out seven. The Redbirds reached a point of no return when Fernando Martinez hit his second home run of the game, a grand slam, in the eight inning against Maikel Cleto to finish 2-for-5 with a game-high six RBI.

Shortstop Ryan Jackson was glad to be back at AutoZone Park as he led the Redbirds on the night going 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and all three RBI.

"It's good to be home," Jackson said. "We just need to shake this slump we're in. Maybe we need a good blooper play or something that will make us smile to shake it."