Former Perkins Star Jeremy Hefner Leads Redbirds Past Dodgers

The Memphis Redbirds held the Oklahoma City Dodgers to two runs Wednesday, sending the Dodgers to a 7-2 loss and evening the series between the teams at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Redbirds (6-6) scored first and never trailed in the game played in front of a crowd of 3,740.

Redbirds starting pitcher Jeremy Hefner (2-0), who is from Perkins, Okla., earned his second win of the season, holding the Dodgers to two runs and four hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out six Oklahoma City batters.

Memphis took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning as they went on to tie the series, 1-1. Jonathan Rodriguez led off the inning with a walk, then scored on a RBI single by Nick Martini for a 1-0 Redbirds lead.

Hefner held the Dodgers without a hit until the bottom of the fourth inning when Rob Segedin connected on a two-out single to left field.

Memphis built on its lead in the fifth inning thanks to a two-run double by Rodriguez and a RBI single by Mike Ohlman to open up a 4-0 advantage.

The Dodgers (7-6) collected three straight singles to open the bottom of the fifth inning, including a RBI single to right field by catcher Jack Murphy to cut Memphis’ lead to 4-1.

Oklahoma City then added a run when pinch hitter James Ramsey grounded into a double play to cut the Redbirds’ lead to 4-2.

The Redbirds loaded the bases in the top of the seventh inning with none out and then added two more runs. Martini hit into a fielder’s choice to bring home a run and Mike Ohlman followed with a sacrifice fly for a 6-2 Memphis advantage.

The Redbirds scored their final run of the night in the top of the eighth inning on a RBI single by Carlos Peguero for a 7-2 lead.

Oklahoma City’s Brown hit a two-out triple in the bottom of the ninth inning – his second triple of the season – but Alex Hassan then grounded out to end the game.

Dodgers starting pitcher Sam LeCure (0-1) gave up his first runs of the season Wednesday. He had held opponents scoreless through his first nine innings of the season, but allowed four runs and five hits over 4.1 innings. He walked four and had four strikeouts.

The Dodgers pitching staff combined to issue a season-high eight walks in the game.

The Dodgers continue their series against the Redbirds at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Tomorrow is a $2 Thursday and all Thursday home games throughout the season will feature $2 soft drinks, bottled water and select 16-ounce beers.