Memphis overpowers Grambling State 11-9 in home opener

Friday, February 26

Memphis, Tenn.

1 P.M.

University of Memphis

2-0, 0

Grambling State

0-1, 0

Grambling State

Memphis

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Memphis overpowers Grambling State 11-9 in home opener

Feb 26, 2021 | Baseball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Amidst at minimum a constant drizzle throughout the game, the Memphis Tigers opened up their home campaign at FedExPark with an 11-9 win over Grambling State. Memphis (2-0) scored at least three runs in three different innings, which included a five-run sixth frame that decided the game. Eight of the nine Memphis starters tallied at least one hit, while Chris Swanberg led the way with four RBIs including a third inning home run.

Grambling State (0-1) got out to an early 2-0 lead on the backs of a run in each of the first two frames against Blake Wimberley (ND). Neither run was earned against the Memphis starting pitcher, who settled in for a five-inning performance. Wimberley allowed three runs, all unearned, and struck out eight in the no-decision.

Swanberg's home run highlighted a three-run third inning against Kerry Boykins Jr. (ND) that put Memphis in front, while the home team then sent eight men to the plate in a three-run fifth frame against Grambling State reliever Antoine Valerio (L, 0-1). Valerio was charged with six runs, all earned, in just one+ inning of work. Memphis' three-run fifth came on only three hits, all singles, and included Swanberg's second two-RBI hit of the afternoon. Memphis led 6-3 after five innings.

Valerio faced the first three Memphis hitters in the sixth inning and allowed all three to reach base successfully before Grambling State went back to the bullpen. Austin Rotramel allowed all three inherited runners to score and allowed two runs of his own over the final three innings, as Memphis took an 11-6 lead into the ninth.

After 2.2 innings from Logan Walters (W, 1-0), Memphis turned to Bailey Wimberley (SV, 1) in search of two outs to pick up the save and close out the Memphis win. Walters had already given up three runs in the inning, and though Wimberley entered with the tying run at the plate, he allowed only a single before he retired the final two batters and struck out Rafael Ramirez to end the game as the Tigers held on 11-9.

The weekend series between the two Tigers programs will continue Saturday afternoon at FedExPark. The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday that will begin at 12 p.m. and conclude the series at 1 p.m. on Sunday.