IL Memphis Redbirds

Redbirds Walk off Winners Again...Literally

Published on June 4, 2021 under International League (IL)
Memphis Redbirds News Release


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - For the second straight game and the sixth time this season, the Memphis Redbirds walked off winners at AutoZone Park. This time, Justin Toerner coaxed a bases loaded walk with two outs in the bottom of the 10th, clinching a 6-5 victory against the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A affiliate, Detroit Tigers) in front of a hearty Friday night crowd.

Early on, stellar pitching from Connor Thomas ruled the night for Memphis (12-16), as the lefthander settled into quite the groove. The Redbirds' starting pitcher tossed six straight scoreless innings to begin his outing, retiring 11 consecutive batters at one point in his start.

After Toledo (12-15) held the 'Birds scoreless with just one hit in the first five innings, the home team flipped the script in the sixth. Four hits produced three hits, with John Nogowski's two-run home run proving to be the big blow of the frame. Nogowski finished the game 3-5, his fourth multi-hit game with the 'Birds this season.

In the top of the seventh, the Mud Hens roared back, scoring four times to grab a 4-3 lead. JaCoby Jones had the pivotal hit in the inning, lining a double to left-center field with the bases loaded and two outs to score three runners and hand Toledo the lead.

In the eighth, the teeter-totter swung back to level, as Ali Sánchez lined a two-out, two-strike single into center field to score Kramer Robertson and tie the game. Sánchez has five hits combined in his past three games, including three RBIs.

The game remained 4-4 into extra innings. After Toledo scored a lone run in the top of the 10th, Memphis won it with two in the bottom half. First, a walk to Robertson and a single from Nogowski loaded the bases with nobody out. After a strikeout, Tyler Heineman lofted a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Robertson. Sánchez then walked and reloaded the bases, and Toerner sent the crowd home happy by working the count full and forcing ball four.

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

Saturday, June 5 vs. Toledo (6:35 p.m. CT)

- Redbirds Probable Starter: LHP Bernardo Flores, Jr.

- Mud Hens Probable Starter: RHP Drew Hutchison

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International League Stories from June 4, 2021


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