Memphis Baseball Finds Offensive Groove, Sweeps Midweek Games
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – After a turbulent start to their season, the Memphis Tigers Baseball team roared back to life with an offensive surge that saw them clinch two convincing home victories. The Tigers’ bats came alive at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field as they dismantled North Alabama 16-2 on Tuesday and continued their momentum by overcoming Arkansas State 13-7 on Wednesday, setting a positive tone as American Athletic Conference play looms on the horizon.
Tigers Maul Lions in Run Rule Victory
On Tuesday, Memphis (8-10) halted their five-game losing streak emphatically, unloading 16 runs on North Alabama (6-10) in a game shortened to seven innings by run rule. The Tigers’ offensive explosion was a welcome sight for head coach Matt Riser, who praised his team’s aggressive play and attention to detail.
“We did a really good job of putting pressure on their defense tonight,” Riser said. “We did the little things right to create some positive situations and outcomes.”
Memphis wasted no time responding to an early home run from North Alabama’s Jackson Ferrigno, as right-handed pitcher Cade Davis settled down after the initial blow to pitch five impressive innings, striking out a career-high seven batters for his first win in a Memphis uniform.
The Tigers’ offense showcased its might throughout the lineup, with Seth Cox notching his second homer of the season and totaling four RBI for the night. Jacob Compton was a force at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, and Austin Baskin‘s two-run double in the sixth extended his on-base streak to a remarkable 31 games.
Tigers Claw Past Red Wolves for Midweek Sweep
Carrying their offensive potency into Wednesday’s contest, the Tigers (9-10) faced a determined Arkansas State (11-7) and emerged victorious in a high-scoring affair, 13-7. The win underscored the team’s ability to put together back-to-back strong performances, something Riser noted as crucial for building momentum.
“To get back on track and sweep a pair of different midweek opponents was good to see. We swung the bat well and really pitched well out of the bullpen,” Riser reflected.
Memphis came out swinging, overcoming an early deficit with a six-run first inning highlighted by big hits from Will Marcy and a three-run blast by Pierre Seals. Seth Cox followed suit with a solo home run, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Austin Baskin continued his torrid pace, going 4-for-5 with a double and two RBI, pushing his on-base streak to an impressive 32 games. The Tigers’ lineup showed depth as Curtis, Marcy, Seals, and Cox each collected multiple hits and contributed significantly to the team’s run tally.
Freshman Malik Harris (2-0) provided stability from the bullpen, earning the win with 2.1 scoreless innings while fanning two Red Wolves.
Looking Ahead
With their confidence restored and bats catching fire, the Tigers now set their sights on a weekend series in New Orleans against the University of New Orleans (8-8). As the team heads into American Athletic Conference play, these midweek victories serve as a testament to their resilience and a reminder of the Tigers’ potential to claw their way through the 2024 season.
