Storm Chasers Light Up Dodgers On 4th Of July

The Oklahoma City Dodgers threatened late, but were unable to overcome an early deficit in a 7-4 loss to the Omaha Storm Chasers Saturday night in front of an Independence Day crowd of 11,920 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Dodgers’ (53-28) four-game winning streak came to a close in front of the largest crowd under the stadium’s current configuration, and the largest crowd at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark since July 4, 2008 (13,066).

Oklahoma City entered the bottom of the ninth inning trailing the Storm Chasers, 7-3, and eventually brought the game-tying run to the plate in the first meeting of a four-game series between the teams in Bricktown.

Austin Barnes led off the bottom of the ninth for the Dodgers and drilled a home run to left field to cut Omaha's lead to three runs. O’Koyea Dickson hit a one-out double to left and Buck Britton later drew a two-out walk, putting runners at first and second base for Darnell Sweeney, who represented the game-tying run. Sweeney then grounded out to end the game.

The Storm Chasers, and starting pitcher John Lamb held the Dodgers to one run through six innings, as they built a 6-1 lead.

Following a nine-minute pregame rain delay, Omaha (44-39) took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning on a two-run homer to left by Brett Eibner.

Oklahoma City answered in the bottom of the frame. Chris Heisey doubled, then scored on a one-out RBI double by Andy Wilkins to cut Omaha's lead to 2-1.

In the third inning, the Storm Chasers loaded the bases with one out for Balbino Fuenmayor, who belted a double down the left field line and cleared the bases for a 5-1 Omaha advantage.

Eibner grounded into a double play in the sixth inning and a run scored for a 6-1 Omaha lead.

Oklahoma City scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning against Omaha reliever Matt Murray.

Heisey doubled with one out and Barnes followed with a walk. Andy Wilkins then doubled to center bringing home Heisey. Omaha center fielder Rey Fuentes misplayed the ball, allowing Barnes to also score on the play and cut the Storm Chasers’ lead to 6-3.

A RBI triple from Jose Martinez pushed Omaha to a 7-3 lead in the top of the ninth inning.

Lamb (9-1) earned the win for the Storm Chasers, holding the Dodgers to one run and four hits over 6.0 innings. He issued one walk and struck out six. Scott Alexander picked up his seventh save of the season.

Dodgers starting pitcher Deck McGuire (3-4) was charged with the loss, allowing six runs (five earned) and nine hits over 6.0 innings. He did not issue a walk and struck out seven.

The Dodgers continue their four-game series against the Storm Chasers at 6:05 p.m. Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Chaparral Energy Family Sundays with the OKC Dodgers offer many family fun activities, including pregame player autographs, and kids can run the bases after the game.