RedHawks Claim Second Win Over Redbirds

Originally Published: Apr 17, 2010 9:26 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

MEMPHIS, Tennessee -- The Oklahoma City RedHawks continued their dominance over the Memphis Redbirds Saturday, earning a second win in the four-game series.

The RedHawks improved to 7-3 on the season after overwhelming the Redbirds 7-2. Memphis (4-6) was shutout 7-0 in the series-opener Friday evening.

Oklahoma City is currently ranked first in the American South. RedHawks pitcher Michael Ballard (1-0) threw for 6.2 innings, striking out two batters and allowing seven hits.

The RedHawks fell behind in the bottom of the second, when Memphis’ Ruben Gotary hit a homer to left field, putting the Redbirds on the board first.

Oklahoma City responded in the top of the third, when Craig Gentry hit Max Ramirez home off a single, tying the game.

Daniel Descalso answered back for his Memphis team, hitting home Jon Jay off a single to left field. It was the last run the Redbirds would see.

Gentry again hit a single in the top of the fifth inning, allowing both Matthew Brown and Ramirez to score after a fielding error by Memphis’ Kevin Howard.

Gregorio Petit was on third and Gentry on second as Hernan Iribarren stepped up to the plate.

Iribarren singled to right field, hitting home Petit, while Gentry reached third. Esteban German grounded on a double-play as Gentry earned the inning’s last run, putting the RedHawks ahead 5-2.

The Redbirds’ fate was sealed in the top of the eighth, when Brown hit a two-run home run to claim the 7-2 victory over Memphis.

Brandon Dickson (0-1) finished with the loss after pitching 6.0 innings, giving up five runs and striking out three batters.

The two teams will again face each other Sunday at 1:35 p.m.