Redbirds Offense Goes Cold In 7-2 Loss In Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Memphis Redbirds were held to two hits in a 7-2 loss to the Albuquerque Isotopes in the opener of a four-game series on Friday night at Isotopes Park.

Albuquerque has won seven of nine hits in the season series. The two hits by the Redbirds matched a season-low, which was also set against the Isotopes on May 31 at AutoZone Park.

First baseman Brock Peterson homered to account for Memphis' two runs after Oscar Taveras walk. The home run was Peterson's team-leading 13th of the season, which ties the slugger for second in the league.

Dodgers rehabber Chris Capuano yielded just one hit over four scoreless innings to start the game. Right-hander Matt Magill (2-0) followed with five innings for the victory.

Tony Gwynn Jr. went 4-for-5 with a run scored and one RBI. Dee Gordon added three hits, including a double and a triple.

The Isotopes struck with two runs in the first, as Scott McGregor walked three and used 35 pitches in the inning. The scoring was highlighted by a Justin Sellers two-run single to center with two outs.

A Rusty Ryal double and Nick Buss single pushed the Isotopes' lead to four in the third, before Dee Gordon scored another run in the fourth inning. Buss went yard with a man aboard against Eric Fornataro in the fifth to stretch the Albuquerque lead to 7-0.

In his fifth Triple-A start, McGregor (1-4) lasted only 3 1/3 innings for his fourth straight losing decision. The right-hander scattered eight hits for five runs while walking four.

A trio of relievers finished the game following McGregor, as Fornataro allowed two runs over 1 2/3 innings. Michael Blazek struck out three in two shutout innings, while Victor Marte worked around a hit for a scoreless ninth.

The two teams continue their series at 8:05 pm CT on Saturday night. Right-hander Maikel Cleto (2-3, 5.72) will start against left-hander Rob Rasmussen (0-1, 7.94).