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Redbirds Down Sox in 16 innings

Hart the hero in the bottom of the 16th
July 30, 2006

Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis and Colorado Springs needed 16 innings and over five hours Sunday before the Redbirds finally walked away with a 9-8 win.

The 'Birds trailed by a run going into the bottom of the 16th and were down to their last strike before Mike Rose belted a solo home run into the Memphis bullpen to tie the game. Bo Hart followed Rose's solo shot with one of his own to win the game in dramatic fashion.

Derek Wathan and Brian Esposito each had three-hit games, and Wathan hit home runs from both sides of the plate. Eight different Redbirds drove in runs and 10 different players had hits. Carlos Rivera had five hits for the Sky Sox, while Jeff Salazar and Josh Wilson each had three hit games. Salazar finished a triple shy of the cycle.

Alan Benes (4-3) earned the win with five gutsy innings of relief. The veteran right-hander allowed two runs on six hits. Miguel Asencio (7-7) took the loss after allowing back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the 16th. The Sky Sox bullpen had a combined four blown saves on the day. Brad Thompson started for the 'Birds and allowed two runs, one earned, on seven hits in five innings.

Memphis and Colorado Springs will battle tomorrow night with Dennis Tankersley (4-10) on the mound for the Redbirds. The Sox will send Jose Acevado (5-7) to the hill. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.