OKC Dodgers Clinch Division Title

The Oklahoma City Dodgers clinched the American Northern Division title with an 11-3 win Wednesday against the Iowa Cubs.

Thursday, September 3rd 2015, 10:59 am

By: News 9


The Oklahoma City Dodgers clinched the American Northern Division title with an 11-3 win Wednesday against the Iowa Cubs. Oklahoma City earned its eighth trip to the postseason since joining the PCL in 1998.

Oklahoma City took a 3-0 lead in the first inning on a three-run homer by Andy Wilkins and never looked back as the team won its second division title in the last three seasons. The team also improved to 84-55, establishing a new team record for most wins in one season.

Andy Wilkins homered twice in his first three at-bats and racked up four RBI in the game to lead the Dodgers.

His first homer of the night came with runners at first and second base with two outs in the first inning to quickly give Oklahoma City a 3-0 edge.

The Dodgers added two runs in the bottom of the second inning on a RBI double by starting pitcher Eric Surkamp and a sacrifice fly by Darwin Barney for a 5-0 lead.

Iowa (78-61) cut into Oklahoma City’s lead in the top of the third inning. Christian Villanueva singled to bring home Iowa's first run of the night. Mike Baxter followed with a single to load the bases with one out for the I-Cubs. A sacrifice fly by Chris Valaika then cut Oklahoma City’s lead to 5-2.

The Dodgers added five runs in the fourth inning to take a 10-2 lead.

Corey Seager hit a two-out, two-run double. Chris Heisey, who returned to Oklahoma City’s roster Wednesday, followed with a two-run homer to left field. Wilkins stepped up to the plate next and delivered his second home run of the night – a solo shot that landed in the upper deck in right field.

Darwin Barney drove in another Oklahoma City run in the bottom of the fifth inning for an 11-2 lead.

A RBI double by Iowa’s Taylor Davis in the top of the seventh inning cut Oklahoma City’s lead to eight runs.

Iowa loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, but in his team debut, Oklahoma City reliever Ralston Cash struck out Villanueva to end the game.

Surkamp (9-3) pitched a season-high eight innings for the Dodgers to earn the win. He allowed three runs and nine hits, walked two and recorded seven strikeouts. Cash followed with a scoreless ninth on the mound for the Dodgers.

Iowa starting pitcher Fernando Cruz (0-1) was charged with the loss in his team debut, allowing 10 runs on 10 hits over four innings.

The Dodgers continue their final homestand of the regular season and wrap up their five-game series against the Iowa Cubs at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. Tomorrow is a $2 Thursday and fans can enjoy soft drinks, bottled water and select 16-ounce beers for just $2.

The Dodgers will play American Southern Division champion Round Rock in the best-of-five Conference Championships beginning Wednesday, Sept. 9 in Round Rock. The first two games will be played in Round Rock and the final three games will be played at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, starting Friday, Sept. 11, with games four and five to follow on Sept. 12 and 13, if necessary.

Playoff tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday. Tickets are available through the box office on S. Mickey Mantle Drive, by calling (405) 218-1000, or ordering through okcdodgers.com.

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