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Memphis starter Deck McGuire pitched seven scoreless innings and Jonathan Rodriguez hit two homers Thursday, leading the Redbirds to an 8-4 victory over Salt Lake in front of 4,469 fans at Smith's Ballpark.
Turning Point • Trailing 5-0 in the fourth, Salt Lake had a chance to rally. With one out, Ji-Man Choi walked and Jefry Marte singled him to third. But Marte was picked off and Kyle Kubitza struck out.
Bees MVP • Outfielder Todd Cunningham extended his hitting streak to four games with a two-run single in the eighth inning. He went 9-for-18 in the four-game series against Memphis.
Hidden Hero • During a lackluster performance by his team, Salt Lake manager Keith Johnson was ejected for the first time this season. In the seventh, third base umpire Blake Felix tossed him for arguing a fair-foul call.
Flashing Leather • In the seventh, Tommy Pham hit a drive up the middle. Bees' shortstop Ryan Jackson made a diving stop and flipped to Sherman Johnson at second. He barehanded the ball and fired to first for a double play.
Quoteworthy • Asked about McGuire's effectiveness, Cunningham said, "It was one of those days. He threw a lot of strikes. He made his pitches and we missed some pitches. … Just one of those days."
Angel Angle • The Angels have designated pitcher left-handed Lucas Luetge for assignment. He must clear waivers before a possible return to Salt Lake.
History lesson • On May 26, 1995, the Salt Lake Buzz earned the 100th victory in franchise history with a 4-2 win over Albuquerque. LaTroy Hawkins was the winning pitcher.
What's next • Friday: Memphis (Angel Castro, 0-2) vs. Salt Lake (David Huff, 0-0), 6:35 p.m.
PCL standings
American North W L Pct. GB
Omaha (Royals) 25 20 .556
Oklahoma City (Dodgers) 24 20 .545
Colorado Springs (Brewers) 19 23 .452 4½
Iowa (Cubs) 19 25 .432 5½
American South W L Pct. GB
Nashville (Athletics) 25 20 .556
Round Rock (Rangers) 24 21 .533 1
New Orleans (Marlins) 19 26 .422 6
Memphis (Cardinals) 18 25 .419 6
Pacific North W L Pct. GB
Tacoma (Mariners) 29 17 .630
Reno (Diamondbacks) 22 23 .489 6½
Fresno (Astros) 20 25 .444 8½
Sacramento (Giants) 19 28 .404 10½
Pacific South W L Pct. GB
Salt Lake (Angels) 25 19 .568
Las Vegas (Mets) 24 20 .545 1
El Paso (Padres) 24 21 .533 1½
Albuquerque (Rockies) 22 25 .468 4½
Thursday's Games
El Paso 6, Iowa 3, (12 innings)
Memphis 8, Salt Lake 4
Albuquerque at Omaha, cancelled
Reno 7, New Orleans 5
Round Rock 4, Tacoma 1
Colorado Springs at Sacramento, late
Nashville at Las Vegas, late
Oklahoma City at Fresno, late
Friday's Games
Tacoma at New Orleans, late
El Paso at Omaha, late
Reno at Round Rock, late
Albuquerque at Iowa, late
Nashville at Salt Lake, late
Colorado Springs at Fresno, late
Memphis at Las Vegas, late
Oklahoma City at Sacramento, late