RedHawks Fall To Memphis In Season Opener

The Oklahoma City RedHawks opened their season with a heartbreaking loss Thursday, falling 4-3 to the Memphis Redbirds in heart-breaking fashion.

The RedHawks (0-1) jumped out to an early lead, thanks to a leadoff home run from Mike Hessman in the bottom of the second. However, Memphis responded quickly, with a leadoff home run from Pete Kozma in the third and a solo home run by Matt Adams in the top of the fourth to take a 2-1 lead.

Memphis continued its momentum in the top of the seventh. Kozma hit a ground ball single to left field in the top of the seventh, followed by a Cedric Hunter triple to left field to push the lead to two runs.

Three at-bats later, Ryan Jackson hit a line-drive single to center field to bring Hunter home and push the lead to three runs.

Oklahoma City battled back in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases thanks to back-to-back walks and a hit by pitch with no outs on the board. Angel Sanchez doubled to left field, bringing Jimmy Paredes and Justin Ruggiano home to cut the lead to just one run.

The Redbirds intentionally walked Eduardo Sanchez to put the winning run on base, but Mike Hessman struck out and Brett Wallace grounded out to end the threat and the game.

Brandon Dickson (1-0) received a win for the outing, giving up just one earned run on five hits in his 5.1 innings of service. Paul Clemens (0-1) was credited with loss, giving up six hits and two earned runs, while striking out four in six innings of service.

The RedHawks will try to grab their first win of the season at 7:05 p.m. in the second game of the four-game series.