Four-Run Sixth Inning Sinks Redbirds In Finale

METAIRIE, La. - The New Orleans Zephyrs avoided a four-game sweep by beating the Memphis Redbirds, 4-0, on Friday night at Zephyr Field in the finale of a four-game series.

Memphis (8-6) finished its road trip through Oklahoma City and New Orleans with a 6-2 record, which matches the 2000 squad for the best road start to open a season in franchise history. Both losses on the road trip were shutouts.

The four runs scored by the Zephyrs were more than the first three games of the series combined (3).

New Orleans broke a scoreless stretch of 16 innings dating back three games in a matter of two pitches in the bottom of the sixth inning. With runners on first and second and two out, Ben Lasater singled to left field for the first run. The next pitch from Redbirds starter Tyler Lyons was then blasted over the left field wall by Matt Diaz for the 4-0 final score.

Lyons (2-1) cruised through five frames, including retiring a stretch of 10 in a row, before getting in trouble in the sixth. The left-hander allowed four runs on seven hits while fanning five in six inning for the loss.

Reliever Maikel Cleto worked around two walks for two scoreless innings.

In a spot start, A.J. Battisto worked four scoreless innings. David Aardsma (1-0) followed up with two shutout frames and was credited with the win.

The Redbirds return home to the Blues City tomorrow to face the division-rival Iowa Cubs (Triple-A Cubs) in a four-game homestand at AutoZone Park. Left-hander Nick Additon makes the start for Memphis against Iowa left-hander Chris Rusin (1-1, 3.50).