Wacha, Redbirds Blank Tucson In Homestand Opener

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Michael Wacha tossed six shutout innings of two-hit ball to lead the Memphis Redbirds to a 3-0 shutout of the visiting Tucson Padres in the opener of a four-game series on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park.

Wacha retired 17 of his 20 batters faced, striking out seven and walking none. The right-hander gave up a two-out single in the first and ground-rule double in the third. His third baserunner reached on a fielding error and was erased on a double play.

The shutout was the club's league-leading 13th of the season, breaking the previous record established by the 2000 Redbirds squad the won the PCL Championship.

Outfielder Adron Chambers went 4-for-4 with a stolen base. First baseman Brock Peterson extended his hitting streak to a season-best 10 games with a solo home run in the sixth that gave the Redbirds a 1-0 lead. It was his PCL-leading 23rd blast of the season.

Memphis tacked on two insurance runs in the eighth for a 3-0 lead. Chambers began rally with his fourth hit of the game, stole second base, and scored on a Greg Garcia double to center. Travis Tartamella followed with an RBI base hit to right.

Jorge Rondon struck out one over 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Sam Freeman recorded the final four outs to convert his second save and preserve the shutout.

Anthony Bass (2-5) scattered eight hits for one run in six innings for the loss.

The Redbirds and Padres continue their series at 7:05 pm CT on Wednesday night at AutoZone Park. Left-hander Nick Additon (7-6, 4.40) will face Tucson leftie Robbie Erlin (6-3, 5.35).