Redbirds Ruin Chihuahua’s Rally, Take PCL Championship Series Opener 6-4

The El Paso Chihuahuas rallied late but lost to the Memphis Redbirds 6-4 at AutoZone Park Wednesday night. The victory gave the Redbirds a one game to none advantage in the best-of-five PCL Championship Series.

The Redbirds knocked Chris Huffman out of the game after three innings, ending a string of five consecutive strong starts by Huffman. Tyler O’Neill went 1-for-4 with a home run for Memphis, his fourth homer in five postseason games this year.

Chihuahuas’ leadoff hitter Travis Jankowski reached base four times Wednesday, going 2-for-3 with a double and two walks. Dusty Coleman went 1-for-4 with a two-run single in the eighth for the Chihuahuas.

Wednesday was the second Championship Series Game 1 in Chihuahuas’ history. El Paso defeated Oklahoma City 7-5 in the opener of the 2016 Championship Series.

Next Game: Thursday, 11:05 am at AutoZone Park. El Paso RHP Bryan Rodriguez (0-0, -.–) vs. Memphis RHP Kevin Herget (0-0, -.–). The game will air on 600 ESPN El Paso.

Box Score    |     Team Records: El Paso (0-1), Memphis (1-0)

Memphis 6 El Paso 4 – Wednesday

WP: Hudson (1-0)

LP: Huffman (0-1)

S: Lucas (1)

Time: 2:56

Attn: 3,787