Crazy Series Finale Does Not Go Memphis' Way

MEMPHIS, Tennessee - In a game featuring 29 runs, 27 hits including 12 for extra bases, 14 walks, 13 pitchers throwing 381 pitches, an error, a hit batsman, a pickoff, and a caught stealing, the first-place Memphis Redbirds (71-44) left the tying run on third with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and dropped a 15-14 heartbreaker to the Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division-leading Fresno Grizzlies (66-49) Tuesday night at AutoZone Park.
The two teams traded seven-run innings in the game, with Memphis' seven-run second giving it a 7-3 lead and Fresno's seven-run eighth putting it on top, 15-8. The Redbirds scored three runs in the eighth and three more in the bottom of the ninth before making the final out and leaving the potential tying run on third.
Rangel Ravelo was 2-for-5 with a walk, four RBI, and two runs scored, and he extended his hitting streak to 13 games. Lane Thomas extended his hitting streak to all nine games he has played with the Redbirds after going 2-for-6 with two RBI and a run scored. Carson Kelly and Ramón Urías homered for the Redbirds, and Justin Williams drove in three runs. All nine Redbirds had at least one hit in the game.
Fresno was helped by eight extra-base hits, including four home runs, and the Grizzlies scored in six innings.
Jake Woodford started and allowed five runs on six hits in 4.0 innings. Tommy Layne was saddled with the loss after allowing five earned runs, the only ones he had allowed in 17.0 innings spanning 17 appearances as a Redbird entering tonight, on three hits in one-third of an inning.
Thomas and Randy Arozarena had stolen bases for the Redbirds, who lost three-of-four to the Grizzlies, who boast the second-best record in the PCL behind Memphis.
The Grizzlies set an AutoZone Park record with five mound visits. The 3:44 game was the seventh-longest nine-inning game in AutoZone Park history.
After an off-day tomorrow, the Redbirds hit the road for four games at Oklahoma City before returning to AutoZone Park on Monday to start a seven-game homestand. For more information on single-game tickets, visit www.memphisredbirds.com.

[Empty Body]