Memphis Native Johnson Earns 500th Win as Redbirds Manager
Published on September 1, 2026 under International League (IL)
Source: Memphis Redbirds News Release
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis Redbirds manager Ben Johnson earned his 500th career victory as the club opened a six-game series and 12-game homestand with a 7-2 win over the Durham Bulls (Triple-A, Tampa Bay Rays) on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park.
The Germantown High School alumnus added to his franchise record for managerial wins. In his eighth year at the helm of his hometown team, Johnson is set to lead Memphis to its first playoff appearance since 2018 when the club hosts the International League Championship Series Sept. 22-24 at AutoZone Park.
The Redbirds drilled four home runs in the win. Left fielder Zach Levenson drilled his first Triple-A home run on the first pitch he saw in his AutoZone Park career for his first Triple-A hit. Catcher Jimmy Crooks led off the third inning with a nine-pitch at-bat that ended with his 14th home run of the season with Memphis. Right fielder Chase Davis and second baseman Noah Mendlinger added solo shots of their own for insurance.
Starting pitcher Mason Molina worked 4.0 shutout innings in the opener. The left-handed pitcher allowed two hits, walked one and struck out five. Over his last two starts, Molina has worked 9.0 scoreless innings. Matt Svanson worked a five-pitch top of the fifth inning to earn the victory. Sandro Santana struck out one in a scoreless Triple-A debut inning.
The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park on Wednesday, September 2 to continue a six-game series and 12-game homestand against the Durham Bulls (Triple-A, Tampa Bay Rays) with first pitch scheduled for 12:05 p.m. CDT.
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