Memphis holds off Iowa

Published on April 30, 2009 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Memphis Redbirds News Release

MEMPHIS, TN - Memphis held off Iowa to win a 4-3 rain-soaked series opener Thursday night at AutoZone Park.

Playing in rain the majority of the game the Redbirds claimed an early 4-0 lead after four innings before the Cubs pushed a run across in the fifth and climbed within a run in the sixth with two more runs. However, the Memphis bullpen shut down the I-Cubs over the final three frames to give the ‘Birds the victory. David Freese, Joe Mather and Bryan Anderson all drove in runs for the Redbirds with Freese hitting his first home run of the year, a solo shot in the bottom of the second. Iowa catcher Chris Robinson went 2-for-4 with a run scored and RBI to lead the Cubs.

Memphis starter Clayton Mortensen earned the win with six solid innings of work. The right-hander allowed three runs, one earned, on five hits with four strikeouts to pick up his second win of the year. Iowa starter Mitch Atkins took the loss giving up four runs, two earned, on five hits with five strikeouts. Jess Todd pitched around a leadoff single by Andres Blanco in the ninth to notch his fifth save.

AutoZone Park will host its first bobble head giveaway tomorrow night when the first 1500 fans receive bobble heads of the Redbirds logo, Nostalgia Man. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The ‘Birds will send the newly acquired Evan MacLane to the hill to face the Cubs Jose Ascanio.

Pacific Coast League Stories from April 30, 2009

• Barnette and trio of relievers limit Beaver bats to six singles - Portland Beavers
• Z's lose in extras - New Orleans Baby Cakes
• Sky Sox Route the River Cats 14-4 - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
• Haeger leads 'Topes to 6-2 win over Express - Albuquerque Isotopes
• Memphis holds off Iowa - Memphis Redbirds
• Sounds Drop Series Opener To Royals, 8-2 - Nashville Sounds
• Jepsen to Make Rehab Appearance with Bees - Salt Lake Bees
• RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
• Figueroa Placed on DL, Patchett Returns to Salt Lake - Salt Lake Bees

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