RedHawks Hold On To Beat Zephyrs

<span style="font-size:11.0pt">The Oklahoma City RedHawks built an early five-run lead, then hung on for a 6-5 win against the New Orleans Zephyrs in front of a crowd of 3,532 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.</span>

Wednesday, July 9th 2014, 12:27 am

By: News 9

The Oklahoma City RedHawks built an early five-run lead, then hung on for a 6-5 win against the New Orleans Zephyrs in front of a crowd of 3,532 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The RedHawks (48-45) put together a 6-1 advantage through three innings before the Zephyrs (45-47) scored four straight runs to cut Oklahoma City’s lead to one run in the top of the ninth inning.

Oklahoma City’s win evened the series between the teams, 1-1.

New Orleans took the first lead of the night on a home run by Josh Rodriguez in the first inning.

The RedHawks scored four runs in the bottom of the second inning to take the lead.

Six straight Oklahoma City batters reached base during the inning. During the stretch, a single by Joe Sclafani loaded the bases before a single by Max Stassi scored Preston Tucker to tie the game. Jio Mier followed with a two-run double – his first Triple-A hit – to give the RedHawks the lead. A sacrifice fly by Ronny Torreyes put the RedHawks in front, 4-1.

In the bottom of the third inning, Matt Duffy grounded out to score Domingo Santana, who led off the inning with a walk. Sclafani followed with a RBI single for a 6-1 lead.

Four straight hits with two outs by the Zephyrs in the top of the fifth inning allowed New Orleans to cut the lead to 6-3. Rodriguez tripled and scored on a RBI single by Jordany Valdepin. A RBI single by Kyle Jensen scored the second run of the inning for the Zephyrs to cut the RedHawks lead to three.

Danny Black hit a RBI groundout in the top of the sixth inning to cut the RedHawks lead to 6-4.

In the top of the ninth inning Mark Canha hit a RBI single to cut the Oklahoma City lead to one with one out. The Zephyrs loaded the bases with two outs later in the inning, but RedHawks pitcher Kevin Chapman got Juan Diaz to ground out and end the game.

The Zephyrs bullpen held the RedHawks scoreless and to three hits over the final 5.2 innings, as New Orleans went on to outhit Oklahoma City, 15-10.

RedHawks starting pitcher Jake Buchanan improved to 7-5, allowing four runs on nine hits. He walked two and struck out one. Chapman earned his fifth save of the season.

Zephyrs starter Adam Conley (2-4) was charged with the loss, allowing six runs on seven hits, walking three and striking out two over 2.1 innings.

The RedHawks continue their series against New Orleans with a 7:05 p.m. game Wednesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.