Colorado Springs Blows Out RedHawks

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox scored eight straight runs and recorded 17 hits in an 8-2 win against the Oklahoma City RedHawks Friday in front of a crowd of 9,937 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The 17 hits by Colorado Springs were the most allowed by Oklahoma City since the Sky Sox connected on 19 hits against the RedHawks while in Colorado Springs April 17.

The RedHawks (20-17) suffered just their second loss in a series opener this season and are now 8-2 in series openers.

Sky Sox pitcher Pedro Hernandez (2-0) held the RedHawks to two runs on eight hits over eight-plus innings. He walked one and struck out four in the win.

Oklahoma City took the first lead of the game.

Outfielder Austin Wates returned to the RedHawks lineup from the disabled list and led off the bottom of the first inning with a double. Robbie Grossman followed with a double to score Wates for a 1-0 RedHawks lead with none out.

Colorado Springs (17-18) quickly answered by scoring three runs on four hits in the top of the second inning. A two-run double by Angelys Nina, followed by a RBI single by Paul Janish, gave the Sky Sox a 3-1 lead.

The Sky Sox scored twice in the top of the sixth inning on a RBI double by Tim Wheeler and a sacrifice fly by Ryan Wheeler for a 5-1 lead.

Colorado Springs tacked on three more runs in the eighth inning, including two on a double by Jason Pridie and another on a RBI single by Ryan Wheeler for an 8-1 lead.

Grossman led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a double, then scored on a double by Jon Singleton for the RedHawks' second run of the night.

RedHawks starting pitcher Rudy Owens (2-2) allowed five runs (four earned) on 11 hits. He walked two and struck out two.

The 11 hits allowed by Owens were the most given up by a RedHawks pitcher this season and most since Owens allowed 13 while pitching for the Altoona Curve July 7, 2010.

The RedHawks continue their four-game series against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, at 2:05 p.m. Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Select players will be available for autographs on the concourse prior to the game and kids can run the bases following the game.