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IL Memphis Redbirds

Doubleheader Breaks the 'Birds Hearts

June 9, 2021 - International League (IL)
Memphis Redbirds News Release


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis Redbirds lost both halves of a doubleheader to the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A affiliate, Atlanta Braves) in cruel and unusual fashion on Wednesday night, losing game one 5-4 and game two 3-1 in extra innings. Tuesday night's game, the scheduled series opener, was washed away by rain.

The Redbirds raced out to an early lead in game one of the doubleheader, plating four runs on five hits in the bottom of the second inning. Three of the four runs came with two outs, including an RBI single from Evan Mendoza and a two-run double from Kramer Robertson.

Through the first four innings, Zack Thompson was dialed in. Memphis' starter allowed just two hits in four scoreless frames to begin his outing. Yet, the fifth and sixth innings proved to be his demise. Gwinnett scored five runs on six combined hits in the two frames, highlighted by a go-ahead, three-run home run from Alex Jackson in the sixth. The catcher has five home runs against Memphis this season.

Roel Ramírez came in out of the bullpen to complete the sixth, and he did it in magical fashion. Two runners were on base with nobody out, and Ramírez forced a ground ball to third base. Rayder Ascanio tagged third for one out, threw to second to get the second out, and Robertson relayed the throw back to first for a triple play. It's the first triple play of the season for the 'Birds.

After falling in game one of the doubleheader, Memphis (12-20) took the early advantage again in game two. Conner Capel walked leading off the bottom of the second inning, quickly moving to third on a single from Tyler Heineman. Then, Matt Szczur looped a fly ball deep enough into right field to score Capel and give the Redbirds a 1-0 lead.

The game settled into quite the pitcher's duel after that. Austin Warner and Kyle Muller combined to go 10.1 scoreless innings, and the starting pitchers allowed just two combined runs on five combined hits. The two lefthanders also totaled 11 combined strikeouts.

Warner, making his second start of the season for Memphis, went 4.1 innings, allowing just one run on four hits with five strikeouts. The Louisville native also started game two of the doubleheader last week against Toledo.

Gwinnett (17-15) scratched across its run off of Warner in the top of the fifth, plating a run on two hits. Yolmer Sanchez scored the tying run after leading off the inning with an infield single.

The game remained tied until extra innings, when the plot thickened. First, the Stripers scored twice in the top of the eighth. Then, the Redbirds loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom half of the frame. However, Memphis couldn't bring anyone home, as Jesse Chavez wiggled out of the jam with a strikeout and a game-ending double-play ball.

The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Memphis has claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998. For the latest team news, follow the Redbirds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Ticket information can be found at memphisredbirds.com/tickets.

Next Game

Thursday, June 10 vs. Gwinnett (7:10 p.m. CT)

- Redbirds Probable Starter: LHP Connor Thomas

- Stripers Probable Starter: TBD

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