Redbirds End Eight-Game Home Winning-Streak, Fall 4-2
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis Redbirds ended an eight-game home winning streak with a 4-2 defeat to the division-rival Round Rock Express on Friday night at AutoZone Park.
With the loss, the Redbirds fell to 33-29 on the season and four games behind first-place Round Rock in the PCL American Southern Division.
Both of Memphis' runs came from Xavier Scruggs' team-leading ninth home run of the season, a two-run blast that gave the Redbirds an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. Greg Garcia, who scored on the homer, went hitless on the night to end a season-best 10-game hitting streak.
Outfielder Stephen Piscotty also added two hits in the loss, including his team-leading 17th double of the season.
Round Rock knotted the contest at 2-2 in the top of the third, highlighted by consecutive doubles from Ryan Strausborger and Tyler Pastomicky. Later in the top of the sixth, the Express tacked on two runs for a 4-2 advantage, beginning with an RBI triple by Rougned Odor. Odor later trotted home on an infield groundout.
Redbirds starter Tim Cooney (5-3) surrendered four runs over six innings for the loss, his first in over a month. The left-hander also walked one and struck out four.
Express starter Alex Asher (1-2) was awarded the win with two runs over six frames.
The Redbirds and Express continue their series at 6:05pm CT on Saturday night at AutoZone Park. Right-hander Zach Petrick (4-3, 3.54) will man the bump for Memphis opposite Express righty Anthony Ranaudo (6-1, 2.40). Another fantastic fireworks extravaganza will follow the action on the field. Gates open at 5pm.