Redbirds Rise Early in 7-2 Win Against Dodgers

Memphis, Tenn. - A three-run first inning by the Memphis Redbirds put them in early control of Wednesday's game on the way to a 7-2 win against the Oklahoma City Dodgers at AutoZone Park.
The Redbirds led 3-0 after one inning and built a 7-1 lead in the eighth inning as they went on to take a 2-1 lead in their four-game series against the Dodgers.

The Dodgers (28-15) entered the game with the best winning percentage in the PCL and tied for the league lead in overall wins, but lost for the seventh time in their last nine road games Wednesday.
Oklahoma City threatened in its first at-bat of the night, putting two runners on base with none out, but was unable to score a run.
The Redbirds (28-19) responded in the bottom of the inning.
Memphis hit three straight singles in its first at-bat, including a RBI single by Luke Voit for the first run of the game. After a walk loaded the bases, still with none out, Wilfredo Tovar connected on a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 advantage. A RBI single by Randy Arozarena pushed the lead to 3-0 in the first inning with one out.
With two outs in the sixth inning, Breyvic Valera lined a homer to right field to cut Memphis' lead to 3-1. The home run was his second in as many days and his fifth for the Dodgers this season. He led the Dodgers with two hits, one RBI and two runs scored Wednesday and has now hit safely in seven of his last eight games.
Memphis responded in the bottom of the frame. With two outs, pitcher Kevin Herget doubled and Oscar Mercado followed with a two-run homer to left field to boost the Redbirds' lead to 5-1.
The Redbirds added two runs in the eighth inning on a RBI double by Jeremy Martin and RBI single by Mercado for a 7-1 advantage.
In the ninth inning, the first three Oklahoma City batters reached base, including a RBI single by Travis Taijeron that brought home the Dodgers' second run of the game and improved his season-high winning streak to six games. Memphis pitcher Arturo Reyes then retired the next three Oklahoma City batters to seal the win.
Oklahoma City starting pitcher Justin DeFratus (2-3) was charged with the loss, allowing five runs and nine hits over 6.0 innings with two walks and two strikeouts.
Memphis starting pitcher Kevin Herget (2-4) picked up his second win of the season, holding the Dodgers to one run and four hits over 6.0 innings with one walk and six strikeouts.
Memphis went 5-for-10 with runners in scoring position and outhit the Dodgers, 11-7, in the game.
The Dodgers wrap up their four-game road series against the Memphis Redbirds at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at AutoZone Park.
 
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