Redbirds Come Back Late with Koperniak's Heroic Homer
IL Memphis Redbirds

Redbirds Come Back Late with Koperniak's Heroic Homer

Published on July 7, 2026 under International League (IL)
Memphis Redbirds News Release


Lawrenceville, Ga. - The Memphis Redbirds began a six-game road trip at the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A, Atlanta Braves) with an 11-6 extra-inning victory on Tuesday night at Gwinnett Field.

Left fielder Matt Koperniak gave Memphis a brief one-run lead with a two-run shot in the top of the ninth inning. The left-handed hitter later delivered a two-run tack-on single in the five-run top of the 10th inning. Koperniak aided the Redbirds to a third straight extra-inning victory one game following his walk-off single on Sunday afternoon.

Third baseman Nolan Gorman and catcher Leo Bernal each hit a home run in the victory. Gorman smacked a solo shot in the top of the fourth inning, his third this season with Memphis. Bernal drilled a three-run shot to pull Memphis within a run in the top of the sixth.

Starting pitcher Brandt Thompson allowed five runs on six hits, walked two and struck out two. The right-handed pitcher tossed 4.0 innings in his return to Triple-A. Cade Winquest and Scott Blewett provided scoreless relief. Winquest struck out six batters in 2.0 innings pitched.

The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park on Friday, July 17 to begin a three-game series and nine-game homestand against the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT.

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International League Stories from July 7, 2026


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