Redhawks Fall in Playoff Opener

Oklahoma City's slow and steady pace not enough to keep up with Memphis' home runs.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:56 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Sep 8, 2010 11:8 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Oklahoma City held Memphis scoreless in all but two innings, but those two innings were enough to push the Redbirds past the RedHawks, 7-5, on Wednesday.

Memphis took a 1-0 lead in the first round of the Pacific Coast League playoff matchup.

OKC took a quick lead in the top of the second, with first baseman Ryan Garko doubling to bring in fellow first baseman Chris Davis and put the RedHawks up 1-0.

But Memphis responded in the bottom of the second with one of their big innings.

The Redbirds started off with a homer from Joe Mather, and added two RBIs from shortstop Donovan Solano to give Memphis a 3-1 lead.

Oklahoma City squeaked out two more runs in the fourth and fifth innings, but the Redbirds went to work again in the bottom of the fifth with two two-run homers.

In the sixth, the RedHawks gave a last-ditch effort. Catcher Max Ramirez homered, driving in Davis to bring his team to within 7-5. But neither team scored in the final three innings as Memphis held on for the win.

Pitcher Guillermo Moscoso had a rough night in OKC’s playoff opener, giving up nine hits and seven runs in 4.2 innings. He was credited with the loss for Oklahoma City, while Brandon Dickson picked up the win for Memphis.

The teams will face off again at 7:05 p.m. Thursday in Memphis. The series will return to Oklahoma City on Friday for as many as three more contests if necessary.