RedHawks Blow Out Storm Chasers

Brett Oberholtzer turned in six stellar innings and the Oklahoma City RedHawks came up with several clutch hits in a 6-1 win over the Omaha Storm Chasers before 3,656 at Werner Park Monday night.

In his first start with Oklahoma City since June 28, Oberholtzer allowed just one run and one hit over six innings. He tied a season high with nine strikeouts and retired the side in order five times.

Oberholtzer (6-6) was also efficient, throwing just 74 pitches during his time on the mound. However, he left after the sixth since he had not seen any game action since making a relief appearance for the Houston Astros on July 5.

In three starts against Omaha this season, Oberholtzer has defeated the Storms Chasers all three times, allowing one earned run each time out.

At the plate, the RedHawks (55-47) were able to get on the board in the first inning to take an early lead. With a runner at second and two outs, Brandon Laird singled to right field. Wily Taveras' throw beat Robbie Grossman to the plate, but Grossman was able to slide under Mitch Canham's tag to give the RedHawks a 1-0 advantage.

The RedHawks would have a couple of chances to extend the lead in the proceeding innings. They loaded the bases with one out in the second inning, but Omaha pitcher Everett Teaford struck out Marwin Gonzalez and George Springer to escape the jam.

In the third, Jimmy Paredes was at third base with one out, but he was thrown out at home after Jose Martinez hit a ground ball to Omaha third baseman Irving Falu.

Omaha (47-55) would tie the game in the bottom of the inning. Falu laced a two-out RBI double to left field for the Storm Chasers first hit, evening the score at 1-1.

The game stayed tied until the sixth. With none on and two out, Cody Clark singled, and Ruben Sosa followed with an RBI triple to put the RedHawks back in front at 2-1.

The RedHawks added to their lead in each of the next two innings. With one out in the seventh, George Springer singled and then stole second and third base. Laird brought Springer home with an RBI single to make it 3-1.

In the eighth, Grossman added a two-out RBI single to extend the lead to 4-1.

The RedHawks then sealed the game with two more runs in the ninth. Jose Martinez knocked an RBI single, and Jon Singleton followed with a sac fly.

RedHawks relievers Kevin Chapman and Jason Stoffel combined with Oberholtzer to limit Omaha to just three hits, two of which were by Falu. The trio also combined to strike out 13 batters.

In each of the RedHawks past two wins against Omaha, Maikel Cleto has been the losing pitcher. Cleto (3-5) worked three innings of relief, allowing three runs and six hits with three strikeouts.

The RedHawks and Storm Chasers will have a full day of baseball beginning at 4:05 p.m.