Dodgers Overpower Memphis, 6-1

The Oklahoma City Dodgers scored runs in five straight innings on their way to a 6-1 win Friday night against the Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park.

The win by the Dodgers (63-42) ended a four-game losing skid and allowed them to avoid a series sweep by the Redbirds.

Friday also closed out a 13-game road trip for the Dodgers, who went 4-9 during the stretch. The win in the series finale in Memphis allowed the Dodgers to maintain a three-game lead on second-place Omaha in the PCL American Northern Division standings.

Memphis took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Dean Anna hit a one-out single, then scored on a RBI double by Xavier Scruggs.

The Dodgers tied the game in the next inning. Scott Schebler singled with one out and Ralph Henriquez singled with two outs. Pitcher Joe Wieland came up to bat next and doubled on a fly ball to left field to bring home Schebler and knot the game, 1-1, in the second inning.

Oklahoma City took a 2-1 lead in the third inning on a RBI double by Kyle Jensen that scored Corey Seager, who was hit by a pitch with one out earlier in the inning.

The Dodgers added to their lead on a RBI double by Darnell Sweeney in the top of the fourth inning. Buck Britton led off the inning with a single, then scored on Sweeney’s team-leading 28th double of the season for a 3-1 advantage.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Redbirds loaded the bases with one out, but Matt Williams hit into a double play to end the inning. The Dodgers went on to tie a season high by turning four double plays in the game.

Britton hit a two-run double in the top of the fifth inning on a line drive to right field to push Oklahoma City to a 5-1 advantage. The Dodgers had none on with two outs before putting together the rally.

The Dodgers added another run in the sixth inning without a hit. Darnell Sweeney struck out swinging, but reached first base on a wild pitch by Memphis pitcher Jordan Walden. Sweeney then recorded his league-leading 29th stolen base of the season to move to second base and advanced to third on a groundout by Darwin Barney. Sweeney then scored on a wild pitch by Walden with Corey Seager at the plate for a 6-1 Oklahoma City lead.

Dodgers starting pitcher Wieland (7-4) pitched a season-high seven innings in his seventh win of the season. He moved into a three-way tie for the team lead in wins after holding Memphis scoreless after the first inning. He allowed five hits, issued four walks and recorded one strikeout.

Oklahoma City relievers David Huff and Juan Gonzalez held the Redbirds scoreless over the game’s final two innings in the Dodgers’ victory.

Memphis starting pitcher John Gast (5-8) was charged with the loss, allowing five runs on eight hits over five innings with two walks and four strikeouts.

Oklahoma City outhit the Redbirds, 10-6.

The Dodgers return home to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to open a 10-game homestand starting at 7:05 p.m. Saturday against the New Orleans Zephyrs.

Saturday is Military Celebration Night and the OKC Dodgers will recognize local service men and women and their families through the Devon Energy Hometown Heroes program. Plaza activities begin at 5:30 p.m.