Redbirds Fire 1-0 Shutout In Homestand Finale

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Three Memphis Redbirds pitchers combined to throw a four-hit, 1-0 shutout over the cross-state rival Nashville Sounds on Thursday afternoon in the finale of a four-game series.

Winners of seven of their last eight games overall, the afternoon victory netted the Redbirds a 6-1 record over division-rivals New Orleans and Nashville during the seven-game homestand and an 8-8 season split with the Sounds.

Memphis starter Boone Whiting (2-6) struck out seven over five innings of two-hit ball for the win. The right-hander has allowed one run and fanned 14 over his last two starts (11.0 innings), both victories.

Relievers Dean Kiekhefer and Eric Fornataro followed by throwing two scoreless frames apiece to preserve the shutout. It was Fornataro's sixth save of the season and first lasting six-outs.

Outfielder Shane Robinson (1-for-3, RBI) hit safely in his fourth straight game since being optioned by St. Louis. Catcher Travis Tartamella, who joined the club this morning from Double-A Springfield, had one of the club's five hits. First baseman Xavier Scruggs added a double.

The bottom of the Redbirds lineup came through in the fifth inning as Memphis went ahead at 1-0. With Pete Kozma (1-for-2, R, BB) and Tartamella in scoring position thanks to a pair of singles and Whiting sacrifice, Robinson hit a deep sacrifice fly to the warning track in center for the game's only run.

The Redbirds travel south to open a three-game series with the New Orleans Zephyrs (Triple-A Marlins) at 7pm on Friday night at Zephyr Field. St. Louis Cardinals 2013 first round pick Marco Gonzales (NR) will make is Triple-A debut for Memphis. New Orleans will counter with righty Alex Sanabia (3-3, 5.06).