Memphis, TN – The Nashville Sounds lost their season-high fifth straight game in an 11 inning pitcher’s duel 2-1 against the Memphis Redbirds Monday night from AutoZone Park.
Alberto Rosario hit the game winning RBI single to right field to score Dean Anna to give the Redbirds the 2-1 series opening win. Carlos Peguero led off the inning with an infield single. Sounds reliever Eduard Santos then lost his command and issued a walk to Dean Anna to have runners on first and second with no outs.
The game was sent into extra innings when Tucker Healy blew his third save of the season in the bottom of the ninth inning. After striking out Randal Grichuk to start the frame, Healy then walked David Washington to put the tying run on base.
Healy then struck out Peguero, and the Redbirds were down to their final out. Anna then singled to right to put the tying run at second. Healy then had the Redbirds down to their final strike until Valeria singled home Washington to tie the game and send it to extras.
Max Muncy played hero in the bottom of the 10th inning as he threw out Rosario at home on Grichuk’s single to left.
The Sounds plated the game’s first run in the bottom of the fifth inning off of back-to-back doubles from Chad Pinder and Matt Olson to give the Sounds a 1-0 lead.
The Sounds lost despite an excellent performance from starter Chris Smith. Smith retired the first 11 batters he faced before giving up his first hit of the evening to Redbirds center fielder Randal Grichuk on a two-out double in the fourth inning.
Smith’s night was done after seven scoreless innings in his eighth quality start of the season. The veteran right-hander struck out nine and gave up just three hits in the no decision.
Smith gave way to J.B. Wendelken who pitched a scoreless eighth inning, striking out one and he walked a batter.
The Sounds will look to rebound in game two of the three-game series Tuesday night at AutoZone Park. Left-hander Dillon Overton (8-4, 3.01) will start for the Sounds in his first game back from the Athletics and the Redbirds will counter with right-hander Deck McGuire (6-6, 4.15). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm.
The 2016 season is the Sounds’ 19th year in the Pacific Coast League and their second as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Tickets are available now by calling 615.690.4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com
