Redbirds Win Series Opener in Durham

Nine combined runs in the sixth and seventh inning give the Redbirds the edge to start a new winning streak.

The Memphis Redbirds defeated the Durham Bulls in their series opener 11-5 on Tuesday afternoon to give them a 16-6 record. 

Connor Thomas was on the mound for the Redbirds, and he battled in a gutsy performance despite not having his best stuff.

In 5 ⅔ innings of work, the lefty gave up two runs, four hits, four walks, and struck out four to lower his ERA to 5.33.

It was not until the fourth inning, with Memphis down 2-0, that they were able to get on the board. 

Right fielder Justin Toerner plated his fourth run of the season on a double, and new catcher Aaron Antonini brought in the tying run on a sacrifice fly for his first RBI.

Two innings later, the Redbirds were able to break the game open with a pair of two-run homers. 

Aaron Antonini continued his great day with his first homer as a Redbird to complete a three-RBI day.

First baseman Luken Baker had himself a three-RBI day as well, including a two-run homer in the sixth, to give him a team-leading seven homers and 19 RBIs.

Memphis continued to pour it on in the seventh inning with five more runs coming across home plate to give the ‘Birds an 11-2 lead.

Shortstop Masyn Winn had a two-run single to give him eight RBIs for the year, Designated hitter Juan Yepez hit a two-run double to put his RBI total at five, and Baker brought home his third RBI of the day.

Andre Pallante and Grant Black were left with a lot of breathing room to finish the game out.

While they struggled and combined for three runs (two earned), five hits, one walk, and two strikeouts, it barely made a dent in the lead, and the Redbirds prevailed.

A big roster move happened over the weekend with starting pitcher Dakota Hudson going on the 7-day injured list.

To replace the starter, 2021 first-round pick, right hander Michael McGreevy was promoted from Double-A Springfield.

The youngster will be making his Triple-A debut on Wednesday evening at 5:35 CDT at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina.