MEMPHIS, TN - The Memphis Redbirds (8-1) backed their PCL-leading 8-1 record as they overpowered the Iowa Cubs (2-5) 9-3, Friday at AutoZone Park.
MEMPHIS, TN - The Memphis Redbirds (8-1) backed their PCL-leading 8-1 record as they overpowered the Iowa Cubs (2-5) 9-3, Friday at AutoZone Park.
Mike Freeman led off the game with a walk and the I-Cubs jumped to a 2-0 lead on an RBI single from Bijan Rademacher and an error. Memphis also go their bats going early, scoring a run on two hits in the bottom of the inning.
Iowa kept the edge momentarily, plating another in the second. Wynton Bernard mashed a double, swiped third and came in to score on a Freeman single. With a pair of runs in the third, the Redbirds quickly tied the game and took the lasting lead an inning later. The home team scored eight unanswered runs to capture a decisive 9-3 victory.
The I-Cubs were held to just one hit following the second inning. Freeman accounted for the bulk of the offense with a 2-for-3 night, one run, one RBI and one walk. He is 5-for-9 through his last three games.
Luke Farrell (0-1, 5.91) was tagged with seven earned runs on 10 hits and one walk. He fanned five in the loss. Brad Markey entered in the sixth, allowing one run through 2.0 innings before Alberto Baldonado gave the I-Cubs a final scoreless frame. Jack Flaherty (2-0, 2.77) claimed the win for the Redbirds, contributing 6.0 frames.
Iowa and Memphis play game two of the set tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. CT as Duane Underwood Jr. will make his first Triple-A start for the I-Cubs. Follow the action on AM 940, MiLB.TV or www.iowacubs.com.
