Stranded runners sink ’Birds

ISOTOPES 2, REDBIRDS 1 REDBIRDS TODAY

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Redbirds hitters were stymied for the second consecutive night as the Albuquerque Isotopes edged Memphis, 2-1.

One day after being shut out 12-0, Memphis swung the bats well but couldn’t come up with timely hits, stranding 12 runners. The Redbirds combined to go 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position in the two losses.

Eugenio Velez homered in the third inning to tie the Pitchers: Redbirds, RHP Brian Broderick (2-7, 6.50 ERA) vs. Albuquerque RHP Stephen Fife (5-4, 4.85), 7:05 p.m.; WHBQ-AM 560 Baisley fought through 12 pitches before hitting a slow roller to short that prevented the Redbirds from turning an inning- ending double play.

Will Savage pitched in and out of trouble all night, but made the big pitch every time the ’Birds threatened. The right-hander pitched six innings and stranded nine runners during that stretch.

John Gast (2-1) was the hard luck loser. He began the game by striking out the side and fanned seven batters through the first three innings but finished with eight strike outs in six innings of work.