Six-Run Fifth Inning Blasts Redbirds to Series-Opening Win

MEMPHIS, Tennessee - The Memphis Redbirds scored all six of their runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, and five Redbirds pitchers struck out 11 while limiting Albuquerque Isotopes (Rockies) scoring opportunities in a 6-3 victory in the series opener Tuesday night at AutoZone Park.
The Redbirds (46-62) have won eight of their last 11 games.
Joe Hudson hit a two-run home run in the fifth, and Edmundo Sosa had a three-run shot of his own. In between, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Marcell Ozuna, playing his first injury rehab game with the Redbirds, had an RBI single up the middle.
Harold Arauz earned his seventh win of the season with 5.0 innings of work, pitching into the sixth and allowing two runs on seven hits. After Arauz, Jesus Cruz retired the Isotopes (45-63) in order in the sixth, Chasen Shreve struck out the side in the seventh, Dominic Leone left two on base in the eighth, and Junior Fernandez earned his first-career Triple-A save with a scoreless ninth inning while also stranding two.
Redbirds relievers struck out eight Albuquerque hitters in their 4.0 innings.
All but one of Memphis' five hits in the game came in the six-run fifth inning. The other was a Ramón Urías double in the seventh. Urias was on base three times in the game including two walks.
The Redbirds and Isotopes continue their series tomorrow night at 6:35. Memphis is home through next Monday.
Upcoming Games of Note at AutoZone Park
Wednesday, July 31 at 6:35: Woof Wednesday presented by Invisible Fence Brand of Memphis with dogs able to come to the stadium along with their parents
Thursday, August 1 at 7:05: Throwback Thursday presented by Polk's Meat Products featuring the Redbirds suiting up as the Memphis Chicks and throwback concession pricing of $2 beers and $1 Polk's hot dogs; College Night with $5 Bluff tickets for college students with a college ID
Friday, August 2 at 7:05: Elvis Night with a free Memphis t-shirt to the first 1,500 fans courtesy of Carvana; All-You-Can-Eat Night specialty ticket presented by Dave & Buster's featuring an all-you-can-eat tacos buffet and a free $15 Dave & Buster's Power Card available at www.memphisredbirds.com/allyoucaneat; Chick-fil-A Friday Family Pack specialty ticket option with free ballpark food and free Chick-fil-A at www.memphisredbirds.com/fridayfamilypack
Saturday, August 3 at 6:35: Terminix Saturday Fireworks Show after the game; Back to School Night presented by Walmart with a free fully-loaded backpack to the first 1,500 kids ages 12 and under; Mystery bobblehead specialty ticket with a random bobblehead; Aldo's Pizza specialty ticket with free soda at the ballpark and free and discounted food and beverages at Aldo's Pizza Pies available at www.memphisredbirds.com/aldos
Sunday, August 4 at 2:05: Redbirds Wiffle Bat giveaway to the first 2,000 fans presented by Prairie Farms Dairy; Prairie Farms Ice Cream Sunday (free ice cream for kids upon entering); pregame player autographs presented by Allegiant Air; kids run the bases after the game
Monday, August 5 at 6:35: the Redbirds take the field as the Memphis Música as part of Minor League Baseball's "Copa de la Diversión" series with $3 tacos and $5 Dos Equis available at the stadium

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