Dodgers Edge Redbirds In Ninth

Shawn Zarraga hit a go-ahead RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning shortly after a two-run rally by the Memphis Redbirds in eighth inning, sending the Oklahoma City Dodgers to a 3-2 win Tuesday night at AutoZone Park.

Trailing 2-0 in the eighth inning, the Redbirds scored twice against Julio Urias to tie the game and end Urias’ scoreless streak in PCL play at 29 innings. With runners at second and third with one out, Carson Kelly hit a deep drive to left-center field. Corey Brown made a full-extension diving catch, turning what could have been a game-tying extra base hit into a sacrifice fly.

Although Brown’s defensive gem preserved the lead, it didn’t last for much longer. Harrison Bader followed with a pinch-hit RBI single to even the score. After a single by Matt Williams moved the go-ahead run into scoring position, Urias struck out Jacob Wilson to end the inning and keep the game tied.

In the top of the ninth, Brown doubled with one out. Pinch hitter James Ramsey followed with a strikeout. Zarraga came up next and lined the first pitch from Miguel Socolovich to right field. The ball appeared it was headed directly to Jose Martinez, but Martinez misplayed the ball and stopped a few feet short, as Zarraga picked up a RBI single.

Grant Dayton ensured there would not be another late rally by the Redbirds (49-53) in the bottom of the ninth. He retired the side in order with two strikeouts, as Dayton nailed down the victory and picked up his fourth save.

The Dodgers (59-43) held a 2-0 lead for the majority of the game after a two-run homer by Rob Segedin in the second inning. With a runner on and none out, Segedin timed up a fastball from Alex Reyes and sent it into the Memphis bullpen for his team-leading 19th home run of the season. The home run also extended Segedin’s current hitting streak to 11 games.

In the bottom of the inning, Segedin saved a run with his glove. With a runner at second base and two outs, Breyvic Valera hit a fly ball to shallow left field. Segedin charged in and made a sliding catch to end the inning.

Memphis strung three straight hits together with one out bottom of the third to load the bases. Logan Bawcom worked his way out of the jam by getting Anthony Garcia to fly out and Martinez to ground into a force out at third base.

The Dodgers had chances to extend their lead in both the fifth and sixth innings. In the fifth they had two on with one out, but Memphis pitcher John Brebbia kept them off the board. Drew Maggi led off the sixth inning with a double, but he didn’t advance past second base as Brebbia kept Memphis down by just a pair of runs.

A two-out fielding error in the bottom of the sixth inning by Micah Johnson kept the inning alive for Memphis. Bawcom then walked Kelly, but followed by getting Valera to ground out and avert the threat.

Bawcom delivered another tremendous start for OKC with six scoreless innings. He scattered five hits, with one walk and three strikeouts. However, he would have to settle for a no decision instead of a win.

Instead the winning decision went to Urias (5-1), who worked two innings out of the bullpen in his first game back after his most recent option to Oklahoma City. The lefty allowed two runs and five hits, with no walks and two strikeouts. Prior to Tuesday, the last time he allowed a run while pitching for OKC was on April 22 – also against Memphis.

Socolovich (2-6) took the loss for Memphis.

The Dodgers have now won six of their last seven games. They’ll look to keep their roll going Wednesday night when they meet the Redbirds at 7:05 p.m. at AutoZone Park. Live coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free iHeartRadio mobile app.