Memphis shuts out Iowa behind Hansen’s first Triple-A victory

Redbirds blank I-Cubs to take series lead in game three of 12-game trip

By Memphis Redbirds

3:58 PM EDT

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game series and 12-game road trip with a 1-0 win over the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) on Thursday afternoon at Principal Park. Starting pitcher Pete Hansen (1-1) earned his first career Triple-A victory with a 5.0-inning scoreless performance. The left-handed

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game series and 12-game road trip with a 1-0 win over the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) on Thursday afternoon at Principal Park.

Starting pitcher Pete Hansen (1-1) earned his first career Triple-A victory with a 5.0-inning scoreless performance. The left-handed hitter worked around two hits, walked none and struck out six in the win. Max Rajcic slammed the door with his team-leading fifth save of the season and lowered his team-best ERA to 1.82 on the season.

The win marked the third shutout of the season for Memphis pitching, the first in a nine-inning game since opening night at the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A, Atlanta Braves).

The lone Redbirds run scored on a catcher Leo Bernal sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth inning to plate right fielder Joshua Báez. First baseman Blaze Jordan led the way with a three-hit afternoon and smacked a double. MLB Rehabbing left fielder Lars Nootbaar went 0-for-2 with a walk in his second game with Memphis this week.

With the win, Memphis improved to a 0.5-game lead over the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A, Milwaukee Brewers) for first place in the International League standings. The Redbirds have spent every day of the 2026 season in at least a tie for first place.

The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park on Tuesday, June 2 to begin a six-game series against the Louisville Bats (Triple-A, Cincinnati Reds) with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT.

About the Memphis Redbirds

The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998, the Redbirds have claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, the Redbirds play their home games at AutoZone Park, one of the premier ballparks in the nation. Alongside their parent company, Diamond Baseball Holdings, the Redbirds are committed to providing an exceptional baseball experience for fans of all ages, featuring top Cardinals prospects, exciting promotions, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With a tradition of excellence both on and off the field, the Memphis Redbirds actively contribute to the community by hosting a wide variety of events at AutoZone Park and participating in numerous charitable initiatives. For more information, visit www.memphisredbirds.com.

Contact

Memphis Redbirds Communications Team, (901) 721-6000 or [email protected]