RedHawks Blow Past Iowa

The Oklahoma City RedHawks took an early lead and held on for a 10-6 win against the Iowa Cubs Friday in front of a crowd of 9,946 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The RedHawks (57-50) scored six runs in the second inning and built an 8-0 lead through three innings as they opened a four-game series against Iowa (51-56) and a 12-game homestand.

RedHawks Robbie Grossman and Jose Martinez posted a game-high three hits and Brandon Laird notched three RBI as Oklahoma City played its first home game since July 14. Iowa's Edgar Gonzalez put up a game-high four RBI.

Oklahoma City took the lead in the first inning on a RBI groundout from George Springer and added six runs in the second inning as eight-straight RedHawks batters reached base.

Che-Hsuan Lin scored on a wild pitch. Ruben Sosa doubled and scored Cody Clark. Jose Martinez singled to score Sosa before Laird hit a bases-clearing double for a 7-0 Oklahoma City lead.

The RedHawks added another run on a sac fly from Martinez in the bottom of the third inning for an eight-run edge.

Iowa's first run of the game came in the top of the fourth inning on a double from Gonzalez. A two-RBI double from Brad Nelson in the fifth cut Oklahoma City's lead to three runs.

The RedHawks answered in the bottom of the sixth inning with a RBI single by Springer and sac fly by Jon Singleton for a 10-3 lead.

A three-run double by Gonzalez in the seventh inning brought the I-Cubs within four runs of the RedHawks.

Oklahoma City starting pitcher Wade LeBlanc (2-1) allowed three runs on five hits in 5.0 innings as he picked up his second win in as many starts. He struck out four and walked three.

I-Cubs starter Justin Grimm (1-1) took the loss in his first game with Iowa, allowing seven runs on eight hits in two innings pitched. He was acquired by the Chicago Cubs July 22 along with third baseman Mike Olt, right-handed pitcher CJ Edwards and two players to be named later for right-handed pitcher Matt Garza.

The RedHawks had a 15-10 advantage in hits as they scored at least 10 runs for the second time in the last three games.

Oklahoma City continues a four-game series with Iowa at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Saturday is Devon Energy Hometown Heroes Celebration Night and is also a giveaway night. The first 2,000 fans through the gate will receive a souvenir Oklahoma City RedHawks picture frame.