Redbirds Drop Series Opener to Louisville

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The Memphis Redbirds lost the opener of a six-game series at AutoZone Park, losing to the Louisville Bats (Triple-A affiliate) by a 10-4 final on Tuesday night in Memphis.

Early on, Memphis (53-62) pounced and took a 3-0 lead after three innings. The big blow of the early innings was a two-out, two-run double from Austin Dean. The outfielder, who had not played since August 26th, returned to the lineup in a big way. Dean finished the night 2-3 at the plate with walk, a run scored and two runs driven in.

Afterwards, it was all Louisville (50-64), as the Bats roared in front with a seven-run fifth inning. Louisville pounded out seven hits in the fateful fifth inning, including a two-run single from Alfredo Rodriguez and a two-out, two-run single from Reiver Sanmartin (the starting pitcher for the Bats).

Louisville tacked on insurance late via an RBI triple from Narciso Crook in the eighth, plus a homer from Alfredo Rodriguez and another RBI triple (this one from Brantley Bell) in the ninth. The Bats racked up 17 hits in the game and six different players had multi-hit games.

Nolan Gorman upped his hitting streak to eight games with a two-hit night at the plate. Scott Hurst also chipped in a two-hit performance and Ali Sánchez walked twice in his return to the Memphis lineup. Sánchez had not played with the Redbirds since August 29th as he was called up to St. Louis.

The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Memphis has claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998. For the latest team news, follow the Redbirds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Ticket information can be found at memphisredbirds.com/tickets.

Next Game

Wednesday, September 15 vs. Louisville (12:15 p.m. CT)

• Redbirds Probable Starter: RHP Johan Oviedo
• Bats Probable Starter: RHP Riley O’Brien

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