Omaha Tops Redbirds In Series Opener, 5-1

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis Redbirds snapped a three-game winning streak with a 5-1 defeat to the division-rival Omaha Storm Chasers in the opener of a three-game series on Monday night at AutoZone Park.

Starter Justin Marks (3-9) shut down the Redbirds offense, scattering seven hits for one run on 119 pitches and 7 2/3 innings, both season highs.

Memphis starter Boone Whiting (4-4) came away with his third straight losing decision, giving up two runs on six hits in five innings. He struck out five and walked three in his longest outing since June 11.

Memphis banged out nine singles on the night, led by two-hit efforts from Ryan Jackson, Brock Peterson, and Jermaine Curtis. None went for extra bases.

Both teams traded runs in the second inning, as Omaha connected on three straight two-out singles against Whiting. The Redbirds countered with their only run on the night, a Travis Tartamella RBI single to score Curtis.

Omaha moved back ahead in the next inning on a Max Ramirez two-out solo homer, his ninth of the season. Chris Getz hammered a two-run double off reliever Marc Rzepczynski in the eighth to extend the Omaha lead, followed by Anthony Seratelli bringing home Getz with a base hit.

Jorge Rondon, Mitchell Boggs, and Victor Marte each tossed scoreless innings for Memphis.

The two teams continue their series at 7:02 pm CT on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park. Right-hander Scott McGregor (2-5, 6.31) will start against Omaha southpaw Chris Dwyer (6-6, 3.48).