RedHawks Continue Hot Streak Thanks to Long Ball

Two homers in the same inning lifted Oklahoma City to a series-opening win over Omaha.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:23 pm

By: News On 6

RedHawks Continue Hot Streak Thanks to Long Ball

Originally Published: May 6, 2011 10:40 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OMAHA, Nebraska -- The Oklahoma City RedHawks extended their win streak to four games and continued to inch back to the .500 mark with a 3-2 win over the Omaha Storm Chasers Friday.

The Storm Chasers (16-12) struck first in the bottom of the second. Lorenzo Cain sent a leadoff, fly ball double to right field and advanced to third two-at bats later on a singlefrom Lance Zawadzki. Two at-bats later, Paulo Orlando doubled to left field two at-bats later to bring Cain home and give Omaha a 1-0 advantage.

Oklahoma City (13-15) came roaring back in the top of the sixth, thanks to the long ball. In the second at-bat of the inning Colin DeLome homered to center field – his third of the season – to tie the game 1-1. Two at-bats later, Brian Dopirak went yard to left field to give the RedHawks their first lead of the game.

Those two dingers ended the day of Omaha starter Jeff Suppan (2-4), receiving a loss after giving up four hits in his six innings of service. Ryan Rowland-Smith (1-2) was credited with his first win of the season, giving up seven hits and four earned runs in his 6.1 for the RedHawks.

OKC tacked on one more run, Robinson Cancel scoring on a fielding error by the Storm Chasers’ short stop to take a two-run advantage.

Omaha threatened late with a two-out single from Zawadzki, scoring Gregor Blanko and moving Irving Flau to third, representing the tying run. However, Lucas May popped out in the next inning to end the game and secure the series-opening win for Oklahoma City.

The RedHawks will try to extend the streak to five games at 7:05 p.m. Saturday.