IL Memphis Redbirds

Louisville Outlasts Memphis in Series Opener: May 18, 2021

Published on May 19, 2021 under International League (IL)
Memphis Redbirds News Release


MEMPHIS, Tennessee - In a tight, hotly-contested game that lasted 11 innings, the Louisville Bats (Triple-A affiliate, Cincinnati Reds) scored twice in the top of the 11th and survived a jam in the bottom of the 11th, defeating the Memphis Redbirds 4-2 on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park.

Early on, the game was a pitcher's duel. Matthew Liberatore continued a consistent start to his 2021 campaign. The former first-round pick pitched 5.1 innings, surrendering just two runs (both earned) on six hits with three walks and five strikeouts. The lefthander had gone exactly six innings in his first two starts of the season.

Liberatore's most impressive inning may have been the fourth. He did give up one of his runs in the frame, but he struck out consecutive batters to end the inning and wiggle out of bases-loaded, one-out jam.

On the other side, Tony Santillan confused Memphis (4-9) batters all night, tossing six scoreless innings with just three hits allowed. The right-handed hurler for Louisville (4-8) added seven strikeouts, all but one of which were swinging.

The game remained 2-0 until the 8th, when the Redbirds began to chip away. First, two infield singles, a sacrifice bunt, and an error produced a run to slash the Bats' lead in half. Then, some late magic tied the game at two in the 9th and sent the game to extra innings. Conner Capel doubled on the first pitch of the half inning, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt, and later scored on Kramer Robertson's two-strike, two-out RBI single into center field.

The game stayed 2-2 until the top of the 11th, when Michael De Leon hit a two-run home run to surge Louisville back in front. Memphis had runners on second and third with one out in the 11th, but they stayed stranded on the base paths.

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

Wednesday, May 19 vs. Louisville (12:15 p.m.)

- Redbirds Probable Starter: RHP Angel Rondón (0-2, 11.88 ERA)

- Bats Probable Starter: RHP Vladimir Gutierrez (2-0, 2.45 ERA)

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International League Stories from May 19, 2021


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