Memphis Snags Game One at Iowa with Manufactured Offense
IL Memphis Redbirds

Memphis Snags Game One at Iowa with Manufactured Offense

Published on May 20, 2026 under International League (IL)
Memphis Redbirds News Release


DES MOINES, Iowa - The Memphis Redbirds opened a six-game series and 12-game road trip with a 6-3 victory over the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) on Tuesday night at Principal Park.

Memphis started the scoring in the first inning with a catcher Jimmy Crooks RBI single to place second baseman Bryan Torres. The Redbirds then scored their next six runs on a walk, wild pitch or sacrifice fly to manufacture their way to the victory. MLB rehabbing designated hitter Lars Nootbaar went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in his first appearance with Memphis.

Starting pitcher Brycen Mautz continued his great 2026 season. The left-handed pitcher allowed one run on four hits, walked two and struck out five in 4.0 innings of work to lower his season-long ERA to 2.90. Max Rajcic (S, 4) extended his team lead in saves with a scoreless ninth inning and struck out one. The right-handed pitcher lowered his team-best ERA to 1.88 out of the bullpen.

With the win, Memphis held its 1.0-game lead over the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A, Milwaukee Brewers) for first place in the International League standings. The Redbirds have spent every day of the 2026 season in at least a tie for first place.

The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park on Tuesday, June 2 to begin a six-game series against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Triple-A, Miami Marlins) with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT.

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International League Stories from May 20, 2026


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