Redbirds Shut Out Express Again, Win 4-0

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis Redbirds blanked the Round Rock Express for the second consecutive night, winning 4-0 behind six strong innings from starter Boone Whiting and a trio of relievers in front of 9,826 fans on Saturday night at AutoZone Park.

Memphis leads the PCL with seven combination shutouts, and has now tossed a season-high 18 consecutive shutout innings over the first two games in the series. Round Rock has yet to record an extra-base hit.

The last time Memphis recorded back-to-back shutout wins was July 12-13, 2012 at the Dell Diamond at Round Rock.

Victor Marte stranded two inherited runners in an exciting ninth inning to convert his team-leading 10th save. The save was also Marte's 44th in his career with Memphis, which moves him into a tie for first place in Redbirds franchise history with Bryan Falkenborg.

Whiting moved to 2-0 and lowered his ERA to 2.25, scattering three hits with four walks and striking out four over six shutout innings.

Second baseman Kolten Wong doubled to extend his season-best hitting streak to 14 games, the longest active streak in the PCL. Third baseman Jermaine Curtis and outfielder Justin Christian each added two hits in the win.

The Redbirds jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the first two innings, beginning with RBI leader Curtis ripping an RBI single to right to score Ryan Jackson. In the next inning with runners on first and second, outfielder Adron Chambers crushed a two-run triple off the center field wall to score Rob Johnson and Christian.

Memphis scored their final run in the fifth, beginning the frame with a pair of walks by Wong and Jackson. Brock Peterson followed with an RBI single up the middle.

Reliever Marc Rzepczynski worked around a hit for 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Jorge Rondon recorded two important outs in the seventh to strand two inherited runners, but gave up two hits and ran into trouble in the ninth.

Texas Rangers rehabber Colby Lewis (0-1) yielded three runs on six hits in four innings for the loss.

University of Tennessee alumni and friends, with Mid-South area non-profit volunteers alike receive discounted rates on Sunday night for Volunteer night at AutoZone Park. A fireworks extravaganza will follow the action on the field.

Right-hander Richard Castillo (NR) will make his Triple-A debut for the Redbirds at 6:05 pm CT against Round Rock left-hander Brad Mills (5-0, 3.55).