Big Hits Elude RedHawks in 4-2 Loss

The Oklahoma City RedHawks notched 12 hits, but couldn't consistently capitalize on their scoring chances and fell to the Omaha Storm Chasers, 4-2, Saturday night at Werner Park.

The RedHawks (16-14) lost despite out-hitting the Storm Chasers, 12-6. Oklahoma City had at least one hit each inning, but the RedHawks struggled with runners in scoring position, going just 1-for-10 with no RBI. They stranded a season-high 12 runners on base and tied a season high with 11 strikeouts.

Over the past five games, the RedHawks are now 4-for-28 with runners in scoring position and have scored a total of nine runs.

The RedHawks would strike first Saturday night, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning on a solo home run by Jonathan Meyer.

Omaha (12-16) went ahead in the bottom of the third, plating three runs with two outs. Johnny Giavotella delivered a two-run double and advanced to third base on the throw home. Giavotella then scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-1.

The RedHawks cut into the lead in the sixth inning with a RBI double by Kiké Hernandez. After an infield single by Andy Simunic, the RedHawks had runners at the corners with one out. However, Simunic was caught stealing second and Erik Castro followed with a ground out, keeping the RedHawks down by one run.

Omaha extended the lead in the seventh. With runners at first and third with one out, Pedro Ciriaco executed a squeeze bunt for an RBI single, giving the Storm Chasers a 4-2 edge.

In the top of the ninth, the RedHawks put the tying runners on base with none out. Gregorio Petit then sent a broken-bat flare to second base that was caught by Ciriaco, who then stepped on the bag to double off Robbie Grossman for the first two outs.

Domingo Santana extended the game with a single to once again put the tying runs on, but Omaha's Buddy Baumann struck out Max Stassi to end the game, as Baumann earned his first save.

Four RedHawks finished with multi-hit games, with Grossman and Hernandez leading the way with three hits apiece.

After losing his first five starts of the season, Omaha starting pitcher John Lamb reached the win column for the first time in 2014. Lamb (1-5) allowed two runs and seven hits over 5.1 innings. He walked three and tied a season high with seven strikeouts.

RedHawks starter Bobby Doran picked up a second consecutive loss. Doran (0-2) ended up tossing five innings, but the three runs that scored with two outs in the third did him in. Although Doran only gave up two hits, he walked a season-high four batters and finished with three strikeouts.

The RedHawks look to rebound when they play the Storm Chasers at 2:05 p.m. Sunday afternoon.