Memphis Redbirds fall to Red Wings in Game 1 of playoff series

The Memphis Redbirds suffered a 4-3 defeat to the Rochester Red Wings in the first game of the best-of-three International League Championship Series on September 22 at AutoZone Park. The Rochester team secured victory with a home run, an RBI double, and two sacrifice flies. Game 2 is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. on September 23 at AutoZone Park, with Game 3 set for 6:45 p.m. on September 24 in Memphis if required.

The Memphis Redbirds, St. Louis Cardinals' AAA affiliate, made their first postseason appearance since 2018, when they won the AAA championship. Seaver King and Jimmy Crooks each hit a solo home run in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively, for the Red Wings. Crooks added an RBI single in the ninth inning. Despite the Redbirds drawing eight walks and leaving 10 runners on base, the combined efforts of seven Rochester pitchers limited Memphis to just four hits in the rest of the game.

Switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, ranked 12th among prospects in the Cardinals organization, gave up all four of the Red Wings' runs, allowing eight hits and striking out six over six innings.