MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Tigers (4-1) worked around offensive threats by the Brown Bears (0-2) in each of the first five innings to keep the game scoreless, fell behind on an RBI groundout in the sixth, but plated three runs in the seventh frame to pick up the 3-1 victory Saturday, secure the series win, and set up a sweep chance Sunday.
Memphis: 3, Brown: 1
How it happened:
- LHP Dalton Fowler (ND) allowed just two hits and struck out seven over four+ innings, but four walks put him in trouble in each frame that he pitched
- Brown left six runners on base over the first four innings, which included three at third base
- After RHP Blake Wimberley relieved Fowler and got out of a two on, nobody out jam in the fifth, a leadoff HBP in the sixth eventually scored on a groundout by RF Jackson Hipp, which put the Bears in front 1-0
- RHP Tobey McDonough (ND) stranded at least one man in scoring position in three of his six+ innings of work, as the Tigers left runners at second and third in the fourth and sixth frames
- In relief of McDonough, RHP Gauge Lockhart (L, 0-1) saw sloppy defense behind him play a big part in Memphis' three-run seventh inning, as the Tigers had just one hit in the frame
- LF Ian Bibiloni scored from third base on an errant pickoff attempt by C Jacob Burley, CF Zach Wilson scored on a wild pitch, while RF Blake Daniels successfully stole home as SS Ben Brooks got intentionally caught a rundown, as Memphis led 3-1 after seven innings
- The Tigers closed out the victory behind a scoreless seventh inning from LHP Logan Rushing (W, 1-0) and two-shutout frames from LHP Dalton Kendrick (SV, 1)
Notables:
- Memphis picked up the 3-1 victory despite zero RBIs
- C Taylor Howell had two hits, his second multi-hit game of the season and fourth straight game with at least one hit
- Tigers' pitching struck out 13 one day after they struck out 17, two shy of the program record
Up Next:
- Memphis and Brown will wrap up the series at 12 p.