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Memphis splits doubleheader with Omaha

Stavinoha's three-run homer wins game two
June 27, 2011

Papillion, NE - Nick Stavinoha led a late-inning rally as the Redbirds split their doubleheader with Omaha. Trailing 2-0 entering the sixth inning, Memphis picked up four runs and went on to beat the Storm Chasers 5-2.

The Redbirds roughed up right-handed reliever Robinson Tejeda (0-2) in the sixth. Tejeda had retired the side in order in the fifth, including a pair of strikeouts. However, Jim Rapoport and Tyler Greene opened the sixth with back-to-back singles.

Nick Stavinoha followed the two hits with a home run that hooked just inside the left field foul pole. The homer, his eleventh of the season, gave the 'Birds a 3-2 lead. After Tejeda retired the next two batters, Steven Hill homered on an 0-2 pitch to make it 4-2. Memphis tacked on an insurance run in the seventh on Stavinoha's two-out single fiving him 4 RBI in the game.

Brandon Dickson (4-7) did the rest as he also turned in a complete game performance. He allowed two runs on just six hits while walking only one. The complete games turned in by Dickson and Walters are the first of the season by Redbirds pitchers.

In the opening game, the Redbirds could never quite figure out former St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Jeff Suppan. Suppan (7-4) pitched into the seventh inning to pick up a 2-1 victory. He allowed one run on six hits.

Jesse Chavez came on and recorded the final three outs, stranding the potential tying run in the process.

Omaha scored a run in the first off P.J. Walters (6-4) on a Kila Ka'aihue sacrifice fly. Manny Pina's solo homer in the second inning made it 2-0 and would be just enough for the Storm Chasers to hold on.

Adron Chambers accounted for the Redbirds lone run of the game. His fifth-inning home run off Suppan pulled the 'Birds within one run. It was Chambers' eighth homer of the season.

P.J. Walters' (6-4) six-game winning streak came to an end despite going the distance. He gave up two runs on six hits in taking the loss.

Notes: Chambers' eight home runs are a career-best. His previous high was six (2010)...Outfielder Andrew Brown was added to the roster between games of the doubleheader. Jose Garcia was sent to Springfield to make room for Brown.

Tomorrow's probables:
Memphis - RHP Adam Ottavino (3-5, 4.20)
Omaha - RHP Luis Mendoza (5-3, 2.90)