Redbirds Fall Behind Early, Lose 5-2 to New Orleans

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis Redbirds dropped their second straight contest to the division-rival New Orleans Zephyrs by a 5-2 score on Saturday night at AutoZone Park.

With the loss, Memphis falls to 1-5 against the Zephyrs and 11-18 overall this season.

Catcher Ed Easley hit his second homer of the season in the defeat, while shortstop Greg Garcia recorded his second-consecutive three-hit performance. Second baseman Dean Anna walked twice to extend his PCL-leading on-base streak to 16 home games.

In his first start for the Redbirds since being activated from the disabled list, left-hander Marco Gonzales (0-1) gave up four runs on five hits in 2 1/3 innings for the loss. He walked one and struck out none in 56 pitches, 34 for strikes. It was his first start in nearly two and a half weeks.

Gonzales used 27 pitches to get through the opening frame as New Orleans jumped out to a 4-0 lead. Leadoff man Miguel Rojas doubled and scored on a Derek Dietrich single. Three batters later, Brady Shoemaker crushed a three-run homer, his second of the season.

The Redbirds got a run back in the second on Easley's solo blast, a line drive over the left field wall. The clubs' other run came in the fourth on a Ty Kelly groundout.

Gonzales cruised through a second inning and was removed with one out in the third by Nick Greenwood, who stranded two inherited runners. Greenwood ended his evening with a season-best 4 2/3 scoreless frames in relief with one strikeout.

New Orleans added a late run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly as outfielder Stephen Piscotty made an outstanding diving catch in foul territory.

Memphis and New Orleans continue their series at 1:35 on a fun-filled Mother's Day afternoon at AutoZone Park. St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia will make a rehab start for Memphis and will be opposed by New Orleans left-hander Pat Misch (1-2, 4.11).

As part of Gildan's Pampering at the Park, all Moms will receive a mini-massage and manicure station in the AutoZone Park Plaza. While Mom is pampered, youngsters can design their very own Gildan t-shirts - a perfect Mother's Day gift. 

Also on Mother's Day, fans can purchase a special themed ticket and receive access to an exclusive all-you-can eat buffet from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on the Home Plate Club Level.

The first 2,500 kids ages 12 and under will receive a free ice cream treat, courtesy of Prairie Farms Dairy. Coca-Cola will set up a special kiosk in the AutoZone Park Plaza allowing Redbirds fans to personalize a Coke can with their name.

The afternoon will conclude with Kids Run the Bases, as kids ages 12 and under get to take the field after the game and run like the Redbirds. Gates open at 12:30 pm.