RedHawks Outlast Memphis

The Oklahoma City RedHawks overcame an early two-run deficit and took advantage of three Memphis Redbirds errors to notch an opportunistic 3-2 win before 5,352 at AutoZone Park Sunday evening.

The RedHawks (54-47) were able to take three of four in Memphis, winning the finale despite tying a season low for a nine-inning game with only three hits. Oklahoma City has now won four straight road series, and for the first time in team history, they finished their season slate in Memphis with a winning record, going 6-2 at AutoZone Park.

The Redbirds (49-53) broke a scoreless tie the second inning, using a bloop single, an infield single, and three stolen bases to score. With runners at the corners, Memphis executed a double steal. After catcher Carlos Perez's throw went to second base, Jamie Romak came home to give the Redbirds a 1-0 lead.

In the fourth inning, Memphis had runners at the corners again with one out when Tommy Pham brought home another run on a fielder's choice.

Held hitless until there were two outs in the fifth inning, the RedHawks got their first hit and run on one swing. Jose Martinez hit a home run that just cleared the fence in left field, pulling the RedHawks within 2-1. It was Martinez's second home run of the series and his third dinger of the season.

The RedHawks capitalized on a Redbirds error to tie the game in the sixth inning. With a runner at second base and one away, Memphis second baseman Greg Garcia mishandled a ground ball to allow Che-Hsuan Lin to score.

The Redbirds committed another big defensive miscue in the eighth inning to give the RedHawks their first lead of the night. With Lin at first and none out, Robbie Grossman laid down a sac bunt, and Memphis pitcher Keith Butler's throw to first base went into right field. Lin would score all the way from first base and the RedHawks went up 3-2.

In the ninth, Memphis put a scare into the RedHawks, placing the tying run on base with one out. After a couple of walks by RedHawks closer Josh Zeid, the Redbirds had the bases loaded with two outs. Zeid was able to regroup and strike out Adron Chambers to end the game as Zeid collected his 12th save.

Zeid was also able to preserve a well-deserved win for starting pitcher Wade LeBlanc. In his finest outing since joining the team, LeBlanc (1-1) allowed two runs and six singles over seven innings. He struck out seven, and for the third consecutive start, he did not walk a batter.

LeBlanc also improved to 4-0 in six career starts against Memphis.

The Redbirds got a strong start from Boone Whiting, who allowed two runs and three hits over six innings. Butler (0-2) took the loss, despite not allowing a hit over his two innings of work.

The RedHawks continue their road trip in Omaha Monday night at 7:05 p.m.