Oklahoma City Knocks off New Orleans in Series Opener

The RedHawks opened the road series with a convincing win over the Zephyrs.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:22 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahoma City Knocks off New Orleans in Series Opener

Originally Published: Apr 29, 2011 8:20 AM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

NEW ORLEANS -- After taking a travel day Wednesday, the Oklahoma City RedHawks claimed a series-opening, 4-1 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs Thursday, thanks to the pitching of Henry Villar.

The right-handed pitcher earned his first win of the season, pitching five shutout innings to start the contest for the RedHawks (8-12). He finished the game after giving up one earned run, a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth, and five hits.

For New Orleans (9-12), Elih Villanueva (1-3) received a loss for the outing, giving up five hits and four earned runs, despite striking out seven in his seven innings of service.

Oklahoma City scored its first run in the top of the fourth, but did the majority of its work in the top of the fifth. After walks in the second and fifth at-bats of the innings, Anderson Hernandez homered over the right field wall to extend its advantage to 4-0.

The two teams will square off in the second game of the four-game series at 7 p.m. Friday.