Redbirds Dodge OKC Comeback

The Oklahoma City Dodgers rallied with a three-run eighth inning, but were unable to complete the comeback in a 6-5 loss to the Memphis Redbirds Thursday in front of a crowd of 5,193 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Redbirds had a 6-2 lead entering the bottom of the eighth inning before Oklahoma City scored three runs with two outs.

With runners at first and second base, Dodgers right fielder James Ramsey doubled on a soft fly ball to left field to bring home a run. Pinch hitter Rob Segedin then ripped a two-run double to left field to cut the Redbirds’ lead to 6-5.

Dodgers pitcher Chin-Hui Tsao entered the game in the ninth inning and pitched a 1-2-3 top of the frame for Oklahoma City.

The Dodgers (7-7) threatened to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. Catcher Austin Barnes drew a one-out walk to put the tying run on base. Corey Brown batted next and hit a one-out single to advance Barnes to third base. Brown – who finished the game hitting 4-for-5 – then stole second base.

With runners at second and third, Memphis pitcher Sam Tuivailala then struck out Dodgers shortstop Brandon Hicks and Oklahoma City second baseman Micah Johnson to end the game.

Memphis (7-6) took a 2-1 lead in the series between the teams with the win after the Dodgers scored the first run of the night.

Barnes drew a two-out walk in the bottom of the first inning, then stole second base. He scored on a RBI single to right field by Brown for a 1-0 Dodgers advantage.

Memphis outfielder Nick Martini walked with one out in the top of the second inning, then scored on a RBI double to left field by Patrick Wisdom to knot the game, 1-1.

The Redbirds tallied three runs in the top of the third inning on one hit – a bunt single.

Memphis used that bunt single and two walks to load the bases with none out on for Greg Garcia, who was then hit by a pitch from Jeremy Kehrt, allowing a run to score for a 2-1 Memphis lead. With the bases loaded again, Anthony Garcia grounded into a fielder’s choice, which allowed another run to score for the Redbirds for a 4-1 lead. A sacrifice fly by Martini brought home another run for a 5-1 Redbirds advantage.

In the bottom of the frame, Barnes hit a two-out double then scored on a RBI double by Brown to cut Memphis’ lead to 4-2.

Charlie Tilson’s RBI single in the fourth inning gave the Redbirds a 5-2 lead. The Redbirds added another run in the eighth inning on an Oklahoma City fielding error to take a 6-2 lead.

Memphis starting pitcher Thomas Lee (1-1) held the Dodgers to two runs on six hits in the win. He allowed two walks and had five strikeouts in five innings. Tuivailala earned his first save of the season.

Dodgers starting pitcher Kehrt (1-1) allowed five runs on five hits, walked three and struck out one over four innings and was charged with the loss.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford, with Oklahoma City on a MLB rehab assignment, went 0-for-4 in the game.

The Dodgers wrap up their series with Memphis, as well as their first homestand of the season, at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Fireworks will follow the game, presented by SqueezeEveryDrop.com. Special entertainment act the ZOOperstars! will also be on hand performing during inning breaks.

OKC Dodgers tickets are available through the box office on S. Mickey Mantle Drive, by calling (405) 218-1000, or by ordering through okcdodgers.com. 

Live coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free iHeartRadio mobile app.