RedHawks Win Opener against Omaha

Originally Published: Jun 5, 2010 10:51 PM CDT

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OMAHA, Nebraska -- Clay Rapada pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth inning to preserve Oklahoma City’s 3-2 victory over Omaha.

Rapada gave up a single and hit a batter to load the bases, and was pressed even further by a Gregorio Pettit error. The southpaw earned the save when got Ed Lucas to groundout to end the game.

Oklahoma City used a three-run seventh inning to take the lead. Brandon Boggs, Chris Davis, and Ryan Garko scored on consecutive plays to put the RedHawks on top 3-2.

Other than the top of the seventh, Hernan Iribarren was the only RedHawks runner to advance past second base when he reached third base in the third inning.

Kurt Mertins scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the third to give the Royals a 1-0 lead. Jordan Parraz tallied the other Omaha run in the bottom of the sixth.

Zachary Phillips (1-0) allowed one earned run in two inning of work and gained the win for the RedHawks.

Luis Mendoza (3-4) was tagged with the loss after giving up three earned runs in seven innings.

The two teams continue their series at 1:05 p.m. Sunday.