Redbirds clinch best start in franchise history with walk-off HBP
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds set a franchise record for an unblemished start with a 4-3 walk-off win over the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A, Baltimore Orioles) on Wednesday afternoon at AutoZone Park. Memphis improved to 5-0 when third baseman Blaze Jordan was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds set a franchise record for an unblemished start with a 4-3 walk-off win over the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A, Baltimore Orioles) on Wednesday afternoon at AutoZone Park.
Memphis improved to 5-0 when third baseman Blaze Jordan was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the 10th inning, the best-ever start for the franchise. The bruiser proved to be the Southaven, Miss. native's first walk-off RBI as a Redbird.
Designated hitter Jimmy Crooks was all over the action offensively. The left-handed hitter reached base all five times, including a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the eighth. Crooks went 4-for-4 with the home run, two RBIs, two runs scored, a double and a walk. The No. 8 prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals system, according to MLB Pipeline, has reached safely in six straight plate appearances with two home runs and five RBIs in that span.
Shortstop Cesar Prieto tallied a three-hit game in the win. The infielder’s fly out in the eighth inning snapped his seven-plate-appearance on-base streak to start the homestand. Prieto went 2-for-2 with a home run, double and two walks in the series-opening win on Tuesday night.
Starting pitcher Quinn Mathews allowed an unearned run on three hits, walked four batters and struck out five in 3.2 innings pitched. The left-handed pitcher was able to wiggle out of a four-walk first inning unscathed. Max Rajcic struck out five batters in 2.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Nick Raquet (1-0) held Norfolk scoreless in the ninth and tenth to earn the win.
The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park on Thursday, April 2 to continue a six-game series against the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A, Baltimore Orioles) with first pitch scheduled for 6:45 p.m. CDT.
About the Memphis Redbirds
The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998, the Redbirds have claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, the Redbirds play their home games at AutoZone Park, one of the premier ballparks in the nation. Alongside their parent company, Diamond Baseball Holdings, the Redbirds are committed to providing an exceptional baseball experience for fans of all ages, featuring top Cardinals prospects, exciting promotions, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With a tradition of excellence both on and off the field, the Memphis Redbirds actively contribute to the community by hosting a wide variety of events at AutoZone Park and participating in numerous charitable initiatives. For more information, visit www.memphisredbirds.com.
Contact
Memphis Redbirds Communications Team, (901) 721-6000 or communications@memphisredbirds.com