Redhawks Stunned By Padres In Fifth Straight Defeat

The Tucson Padres overcame a five-run deficit capped with a walk-off three-run home run by Cody Decker to stun the Oklahoma City RedHawks, 8-6, before 1,491 at Kino Stadium Wednesday night.

With Tucson trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth, Jonathan Galvez and Jesus Merchan each collected hits to put the tying run at third and winning run at second with none out.

Decker then hit a 2-1 pitch from Hector Ambriz (0-2) over the left field fence for the game-winner.

It was the 10th time this season the RedHawks could not hang onto a lead in the final inning as well as their league-leading sixth loss when leading after the eighth inning.

The defeat was also a fifth straight for Oklahoma City (69-56), tying a season high.

Prior to Wednesday, the RedHawks had not lost a game this season in which they led by five runs. Heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, the RedHawks led 6-1, but an RBI double by Reymond Fuentes made it 6-2.

The Padres (66-59) then scored three times with two outs in the seventh. Fuentes hit a two-run single, and Daniel Robertson further cut into the lead with another run-scoring hit to cut Oklahoma City's lead down to one.

The RedHawks had shot out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning, scoring four times on six hits. Three runs scored with two outs, including an RBI single by Ruben Sosa and a two-run double by Trevor Crowe.

The Padres were able to get one back in the bottom of the inning, also with two outs. Former RedHawk Scott More knocked an RBI double to make it 4-1.

Oklahoma City added two more in the fourth with RBI doubles by Sosa and Jose Martinez.

Unfortunately, the RedHawks could not score again, and the Tucson bullpen kept them scoreless over the final five innings. The RedHawks had a great effort at the plate overall, notching 15 hits and going 8-for-14 with runners in scoring position.

Bobby Doran also turned a stellar start. He allowed two runs and three hits over six strong innings, marking just the second time in seven games on the current road trip the RedHawks starting pitcher went at least six frames. Doran struck out four and walked two, but despite his success, he was taken out of the game after throwing just 79 pitches.

The RedHawks bullpen allowed six runs and six hits over the final two-plus innings following Doran's exit.

Tucson reliever Kevin Quackenbush (7-2) got the win, allowing two hits over 1.1 scoreless innings.

The RedHawks and Padres will finish their series Thursday night at 9:05 p.m. central time.