Memphis Steals Wild Season Finale, 7-6
METAIRIE, Louisiana - Memphis concluded the 2014 regular season with a wild 7-6 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs at Zephyr field on Monday afternoon. The win propelled them to a 79-64 record, the third-most wins in a single-season in Redbirds franchise history.
The comeback win arrives two days before the Redbirds will begin the 2014 PCL Playoffs. Memphis will play the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A Royals), who won the PCL American North Division, beginning on Wednesday. Omaha will have home field advantage for the best-of-five series, with Wednesday and Thursday's contests at Werner Park beginning at 7:05 pm CST. The two teams will play at AutoZone Park on Friday at 7:05 pm CST.
Ed Easley (2-for-5, R, RBI), Stephen Piscotty (2-for-5, HR, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI) and Xavier Scruggs (3-for-5, HR, 2B, RBI, R), the 2-3-4 hitters for Memphis, all recorded multi-hit games in the victory.
New Orleans got single runs in the first two innings to jump out to an early 2-0 advantage against starter Mike Mayers. The right-hander was making his Triple-A debut and lasted five innings with four strikeouts and four earned runs. He allowed nine hits and took a no-decision.
The Redbirds squared things up in the fourth when they hit back-to-back jacks for the fourth time this season. Piscotty launched his 9th homer to lead off the frame and Scruggs followed by blasting his 21st.
The Zephyrs regained the lead quickly though, posting a pair of runs in the fifth after plating one in the fourth. First baseman Justin Bour hit his 18th home run in 2014, one of two that Mayers allowed during his outing.
The visitors continued to battle, putting up a four spot in the seventh. Rafael Ortega, Tommy Pham and Easley all walked to load to the bases with one away. After a wild pitch allowed Ortega to score, Piscotty drove the other two in with his 32nd double of the season. The two-bagger moved him into a four-way tie for sixth on the Redbirds single season doubles list. Luis Mateo completed the scoring by driving in Piscotty with a single. The score sat at 6-5 until the 9th.
New Orleans did not go away easy, ripping two doubles in the ninth off reliever Jorge Rondon to knot things at 6-6.
Again, Memphis found their way on top though, responding with the game-winning run in the 10th. Pham drew a two-out walk, moved to second on an errant pickoff throw and came home on an Easley single. The victory moved Memphis' record in extra-inning games to 3-6.
The bullpen did a solid job in relief of Mayers. Justin Wright, Mitch Harris and Samuel Tuivailala all threw scoreless outings with Tuivailala closing the door for his first Triple-A save.
Both starting pitchers for Wednesday's playoff opener between Memphis and Omaha are still listed as TBA. The game will feature a 7:05 pm CST first pitch.