MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A sellout crowd of 10,058 fans packed into AutoZone Park on Saturday night to watch the Memphis Redbirds beat the Iowa Cubs 2-1, enjoy a post-game fireworks show and also got to meet some of the biggest Memphis Football and Basketball stars.
FedEx collaborated with the Redbirds to hold the Tiger meet and greet with fans. More than 15 players from both teams were in attendance and on tap to sign autographs both prior to the game and during the game.
As part of the collaboration, Memphis Quarterback Seth Henigan and guard PJ Haggerty threw out the first pitch at the game.
But it was the pitching of the Redbirds that saw them secure the one-run victory.
Right-handed pitcher Ian Bedell allowed just one run on five hits, walked one and struck out five in 7.2 innings pitched, the longest start of his Triple-A career. Bedell’s lone run allowed came on a solo home run in the first inning.
Ryan Loutos and MLB Rehabber Riley O’Brien combined for the final four outs. O’Brien made his first appearance with the Redbirds on an MLB Rehab Assignment.
Shortstop Jose Fermin led the way at the plate. The right-handed hitter went 3-for-3 with a double, a run scored and an RBI. Second baseman Thomas Saggese drove home the winning run with a two-out single in the third inning. Saggese went 1-for-2 with a walk and the RBI.
The game was the second sellout of the season and the largest crowd since July 3, 2021.
The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park to conclude a three-game homestand against the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) on Sunday, July 21 with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. CDT.