Memphis splits doubleheader with Indianapolis  

MEMPHIS, TN – The Memphis Redbirds split the Thursday doubleheader with the Indianapolis Indians, dropping game one 8-7 while taking game two 7-0 at AutoZone Park.

Connor Thomas was stellar in game two, tossing a complete game shutout, while Moises Gomez and Alec Burleson hit back-to-back home runs to cap off the game two win. Thomas (6-5) did not allow a baserunner to reach second on the evening. He allowed four hits and struck out 10, one shy of his career high.

Luken Baker started off the scoring in game two with a two-out, two-run single down the right field line. Clint Coulter added one in the third on an RBI double while Memphis was given two more in the fifth while not recording a hit. Gomez and Burleson went back-to-back in the sixth to cap off the win.

In game one, Indianapolis took an early 8-1 lead. Kevin Padlo hit a three-run homer off Jack Flaherty (0-2) in the first inning and the Indians tallied runs in the second the third. In the fourth, Travis Swaggerty and Padlo tallied RBI hits while another run came in on a bases-loaded walk.

Flaherty pitched to eight batters and allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits while striking out two in his first start back on a rehab assignment. He threw 35 pitches, 21for strikes.

The Memphis offense did not go silently, however, tallying two runs in the fifth inning before making a run in the seventh. Scott Hurst picked up his second RBI knock to get things started before the Redbirds loaded the bases. After an Ivan Herrera bases-loaded walk, Austin Allen struck a single through the right side to score two runs and put the tying run at third base. Pinch hitter Alec Burleson crushed the first pitch he saw to dead center field, but it was caught to end the threat.

The Memphis Redbirds (57-50) return to action at AutoZone Park on Friday, August 12th against the Indianapolis Indians, (52-54) Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, for game four of a six-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT.

For more information and for tickets, fans can visit memphisredbirds.com or call 901-721-6000.

About Memphis Redbirds

The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Memphis owns four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship since the team’s affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998. For the latest team news, follow the Redbirds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

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