Redbirds remain in first place tie with win at Tides

NORFOLK, Va. – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game road trip at the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A, Baltimore Orioles) with a 9-7 win on Wednesday night at Harbor Park.

Catcher Jimmy Crooks, center fielder Joshua Báez and right fielder Nelson Velázquez each smacked a home run in the win. Crooks drilled a three-run blast to give Memphis a brief three-run lead in the fourth inning, his eighth home run of the season. Velázquez belted a two-run shot to put the Redbirds on top for good in the fifth. Báez hit a solo homer in the sixth to cap the Memphis scoring.

Crooks, Velázquez, shortstop César Prieto and third baseman Blaze Jordan each posted a two-hit game. Six of the nine Redbirds batters reached base more than once in the win.

Starting pitcher Bruce Zimmermann (2-0) allowed six runs (four earned) on 10 hits, walked one and struck out nine to defeat his former team. The left-handed pitcher allowed two home runs in 5.0 innings pitched. Max Rajcic (S, 1) closed out the win with a scoreless ninth.

With the win, Memphis remains in a first-place tie in the International League with the Gwinnett Stripers. The Redbirds have yet to spend a day outside of at least a tie for first place this season.

The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park on Tuesday, April 28 to begin a six-game series against the Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A, Pittsburgh Pirates) with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 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]