Lynn leads 'Birds back to finals

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Memphis is headed back to the Pacific Coast League Championship Series after a dominating performance from Lance Lynn in the Redbirds 6-2 win at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark Friday night.

Lynn dazzled over seven innings to earn the win, setting a new Redbirds franchise record with 16 strikeouts. The big right-hander allowed one run on three hits in the first inning fanning the final two batters. Lynn did not allow a hit the rest of the way sitting down 20 straight batters before being lifted after the seventh, when he struck out the side for the third time in the game. Adam Reifer and Eduardo Sanchez pitched the final two innings and ran the 'Birds total to a season-best 19 strikeouts.

The Memphis offense pulled ahead in the third inning on Mark Hamilton's two-run double. The Redbirds tacked on two more runs in the sixth on Donovan Solano's RBI-double and Jim Rapoport's RBI-single. Allen Craig's RBI-double in the eighth capped the scoring. Rapoport and Solano led the Redbirds with three hits each and Daniel Descalso scored two runs. Oklahoma City managed just five hits in the loss.

RedHawks starter Doug Mathis took the loss giving up three runs on four hits and five walks over five innings.

The Redbirds have now won 10 straight PCL playoff games dating back to 2000 and have swept three straight series. Memphis awaits the winner of the Tacoma-Sacramento series with the first game scheduled for Tuesday. For playoff ticket information call 901.721.6000.