Memphis Takes Rubber Match from Toledo, 6-4

Sunday, February 15

Memphis, Tenn.

1:05 p.m.

University of Memphis

2-1

Toledo

1-2

Toledo

Memphis

Feb 15, 2026 | Baseball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis baseball closed out opening weekend on a winning note, knocking off Toledo, 6-4, Sunday afternoon to claim the rubber match of the three-game series.

The Tigers struck early and never trailed, using a three-run first inning to seize momentum. After Toledo plated the game's first run on a sacrifice fly in the top of the opening frame, Memphis answered immediately. Freddy Rodriguez tied the game with an RBI infield single and the Tigers capitalized on a wild pitch and a passed ball to push across two more runs and take a 3-1 lead.

Memphis added to the cushion in the second. Javon Hernandez scored from second on a James Smith IV single to left center, stretching the advantage to 4-1.

Toledo chipped away in the fourth with an RBI double to cut the lead to two, but the Tigers responded again in the fifth. With the bases loaded, pinch hitter Jack Pitts drew a walk to force home a run and make it 5-2.

The Rockets made things interesting late. An infield single in the eighth trimmed the margin to 5-3, but Memphis answered in the bottom half when Smith IV drove in another run on a fielder's choice. Toledo added an unearned run in the ninth, but the Tigers closed the door to secure the 6-4 win.

Rodriguez led the offense, finishing 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Smith IV went 2-for-5 with two RBIs. Hernandez also crossed the plate twice as Memphis collected eight hits and drew eight walks.

On the mound, David Case earned the win after tossing six strong innings. He allowed two runs on four hits while striking out seven with no walks. Isaac Lucas covered the next two frames and Carson Fair worked the ninth to seal the victory for his first save of the season.

Memphis finished the day with six runs on eight hits and stranded 12 runners, while Toledo scored four runs on seven hits. The Tigers' pitching staff combined for 11 strikeouts in the series-clinching win.

NOTABLES

The Tigers were perfect on the basepaths, going 6-for-6 on stolen bases to give them 10 on the weekend.
Centerfielder Michael Gupton went 2-for-3 at the plate with two walks and two stolen bases.
Third baseman Freddy Rodriguez matched Gupton with two stolen bases, while adding a pair of hits with two runs scored and an RBI.
Designated hitter James Smith IV recorded two of the Tigers' four RBIs after going 2-of-5 at the dish.
Starting pitcher David Case earned the second win of his collegiate career after tossing 6.0 innings, a team-best on opening weekend. He struck out seven of the 21 batters faced and threw 51 strikes in 78 pitches.
Memphis closed the weekend scoring at least five runs in all three contests. The Tigers only did that once all of last season in a weekend series (Rice, April 17-19).

SCORING SUMMARY

Top 1:

Cade Baker scored on a sacrifice fly by Troy Sudbrook.

Memphis 0, Toledo 1

Bottom 1:

Javon Hernandez scored on an infield single up the middle by Freddy Rodriguez.

Freddy Rodriguez scored on a wild pitch.

Trae Cassidy scored on a passed ball.

Memphis 3, Toledo 1

Bottom 2:

Javon Hernandez scored on a single to left center by James Smith IV.

Memphis 4, Toledo 1

Top 4:

Troy Sudbrook scored on a double down the left field line by Jacob Payne.

Memphis 4, Toledo 2

Bottom 5:

James Smith IV scored on a bases-loaded walk by Jack Pitts.

Memphis 5, Toledo 2

Top 8:

Cole Meyer scored on an infield single by Charlie Scholvin.

Memphis 5, Toledo 3

Bottom 8:

Freddy Rodriguez scored on a fielder's choice by James Smith IV.

Memphis 6, Toledo 3

Top 9:

Jacob Payne scored on a bases-loaded walk by Saborn Campbell.

Memphis 6, Toledo 4

UP NEXT

The Tigers are back at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field Tuesday evening for the first midweek matchup of the season, hosting Little Rock at 4:05 p.m.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.