Preview: Norfolk Tides at Memphis Redbirds

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — The surging Memphis Redbirds will look to extend their perfect start and series dominance over the struggling Norfolk Tides when the teams meet Friday evening at AutoZone Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CDT, though forecasts call for rain and a temperature of 81 degrees.

The Redbirds (4-0) have won the first three games of this series by a combined score of 20-10, including a 4-3, 10-inning victory on Wednesday and a 6-2 win on Thursday. Memphis, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, is one of two remaining undefeated teams in the International League.

Norfolk (1-3), the Baltimore Orioles’ top farm club, has dropped three straight since a season-opening win.

A key to the series has been Memphis designated hitter Jimmy Crooks. He is 6 for 8 with two home runs and five RBIs in the last two games, including a perfect 4-for-4 performance with a homer and two RBIs in Wednesday’s extra-inning win.

The Tides will hope for a repeat of pitcher Brandon Young’s last outing. He delivered five strong innings, allowing one earned run on five hits with four strikeouts in a no-decision on Wednesday. He will be a player to watch for Norfolk.

The probable pitching matchup features left-hander Bruce Zimmermann (0-0) for Norfolk against a Memphis starter to be announced. Dean Kremer was initially listed as a possibility for Norfolk but is not scheduled to start.

According to Interstat, the Redbirds have a 62.3% probability to win, with a projected final score of 7-2.

Following Friday’s game, the series continues through Sunday before both teams embark on new series next week.