RedHawks' Comeback Attempt Falls Short Against Isotopes

Back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning jump-started the Oklahoma City RedHawks offense Monday, but the Albuquerque Isotopes went on to a 6-4 win Monday in front of a crowd of 4,116 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Isotopes (48-37) took a 3-0 lead before the RedHawks (44-40) tied up the game with three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Albuquerque took the lead for good with two runs in the sixth inning.

Matt Angle had a game-high four hits, scored twice and added two RBI for the Isotopes. Brandon Laird, Jon Singleton and Robbie Grossman each posted two hits for the RedHawks as the teams opened a three-game series.

With the win, Albuquerque moved into a tie with Round Rock for first place in the Pacific Coast League American Southern Division standings. The RedHawks remain 3.5 games back in third place in the division.

With Angle batting in the first inning, Dee Gordon stole third base and scored on a throwing error by Cody Clark for a 1-0 lead. RBI singles by Nick Buss in the first and fifth innings scored Angle both times for a 3-0 Isotopes lead.

Back-to-back solo home runs by Laird and Springer to left field with two outs cut the Isotopes' lead to one run in the fifth inning. A RBI single from Che-Hsuan Lin tied the game, 3-3, as the RedHawks connected on five-straight hits with two outs in the inning.

Albuquerque quickly answered with two runs during the top of the sixth inning for a 5-3 lead. Angle hit a RBI single and the second run scored on a throwing error by Jonathan Villar.

Singleton brought the RedHawks within one run, 5-4, in the seventh with a single through the hole at shortstop that scored Springer. However, Angle singled to left field to bring home Gordon and put the Isotopes in front by two runs in the eighth.

The RedHawks pitching staff combined to strike out 11 Albuquerque hitters, including seven strikeouts by Oklahoma City starting pitcher Jarred Cosart. Cosart allowed three runs (one earned) and six hits in five innings. Relief pitcher Kevin Chapman (0-2) was credited with the loss, allowing two runs (one earned) and two hits in the sixth inning.

Albuquerque starter Aaron Laffey (4-3) got the win, while Red Patterson recorded his first save of the season.

Oklahoma City's series against Albuquerque continues with a 7:05 p.m. game Tuesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.