Redbirds retire Royals, 4-2

Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis snapped a four-game slide with a 4-2 win over Omaha Saturday night at AutoZone Park in front of a season-high 12,176 fans.

The 'Birds did a majority of the damage in the second inning when five straight Redbirds reached base, including back-to-back home runs from Tagg Bozied and Rico Washington. Bozied's two-run shot was his second of the season. For Washington it was his first home run since joining Memphis last week and his first of two hits on the night. Billy Butler drove in both Omaha runs and Matt Tupman chipped in a pair of hits to pace the Royals.

Mike Sillman picked up his second win of the year despite throwing just one pitch. The right-hander entered the game in a bases loaded jam but induced an inning-ending double play from Mike Aviles on his first pitch. Scott Elarton took the loss for the Royals after allowing three runs on six hits in five innings. Memphis starter Mike Parisi lasted 4.1 innings after walking six batters and allowing two runs on four hits.

Following the game Memphis retired the jersey number of Stubby Clapp. In an on-field ceremony Clapp's number 10 became the first ever number to be retired by the Memphis Redbirds franchise.

The Redbirds will host the Royals tomorrow afternoon with Mike Smith set to go for Memphis. Omaha will send left-hander Tyler Lumsden to the hill. Kids Opening Day brought to you by Baptist Pediatric will feature kids filling in as honorary Redbirds front office members during the game. Kids will occupy the general manager and team manager positions as well as join the RedHots and Zone Patrol for the day. Game time is scheduled for 2:10 p.m.