Memphis hangs on for seventh consecutive win to open 2026

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds remained unbeaten in 2026 with a nail-biting 5-4 win over the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A, Baltimore Orioles) in game four of a six-game series on Friday afternoon at AutoZone Park.

Left fielder Matt Koperniak snagged the final out of the game with his right shoulder touching the left-field wall to strand the tying run at third base. A half-inning earlier, Koperniak smacked his first home run on the season to add the all-important insurance run. The left-handed hitter finished the game 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI.

Designated hitter Bligh Madris broke out in the win. Madris went 1-for-2 with a home run, walk, sacrifice fly, two runs scored and two RBIs. The solo blast in the third inning marked the left-handed hitter’s first long ball as a Redbird. Center fielder Colton Ledbetter tallied his first Memphis RBI with a sacrifice fly in the fifth.

Starting pitcher Bruce Zimmerman (1-0) dominated his former team with the first quality start of the season. The left-handed pitcher allowed two runs on five hits, walked none and struck out nine over 6.0 innings pitched. Both runs in the outing crossed the plate via solo home run.

Ryan Fernandez pitched a perfect eighth and struck out one. Ian Bedell (S, 1) earned the second save of his professional career in a one-run ninth inning.

The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park on Saturday, April 4 to continue a six-game series against the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A, Baltimore Orioles) with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. CDT.

About the Memphis Redbirds

The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998, the Redbirds have claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, the Redbirds play their home games at AutoZone Park, one of the premier ballparks in the nation. Alongside their parent company, Diamond Baseball Holdings, the Redbirds are committed to providing an exceptional baseball experience for fans of all ages, featuring top Cardinals prospects, exciting promotions, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With a tradition of excellence both on and off the field, the Memphis Redbirds actively contribute to the community by hosting a wide variety of events at AutoZone Park and participating in numerous charitable initiatives. For more information, visit www.memphisredbirds.com.

Contact

Memphis Redbirds Communications Team, (901) 721-6000 or [email protected]