RedHawks Glide Past Redbirds, 7-1

Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Oklahoma City RedHawks (48-36) used a solid pitching performance and a big fourth inning in a 7-1 win over the Memphis Redbirds (31-54) in front of 3,827 on Monday night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Oklahoma City first baseman Mike Hessman got the scoring started with a solo home run to start the bottom of the second inning. The shot to left field was Hessman's 25th of the year, which leads the Pacific Coast League.

The RedHawks extended their lead with a big fourth inning. Shortstop Marwin Gonzalez hit an RBI-single to score Fernando Martinez. Later, center fielder Brandon Barnes had a two-run single that increased the lead to 5-0.

Memphis starter Shelby Miller (4-7) struggled with his command throughout the game. Miller lasted only four innings, giving up five runs on four hits while striking out five. Miller also had five walks, including a bases loaded walk to opposing starter Brett Oberholtzer in the fourth.

Oberholtzer (2-1) kept the Redbirds in check throughout 6.1 innings. Oberholtzer allowed one run on six hits while striking out four and walking four. Oberholtzer lasted long enough to get the win and a quality start despite throwing 25 pitches in the first.

The Redbirds got their lone run off Oberholtzer in the top of the fifth on a Lou Montanez single that scored second baseman Pete Kozma.

The RedHawks responded with a run of their own in the bottom of this fifth. Hessman doubled down the left field line and later scored on Gonzalez's second RBI single of the night. OKC added a run in the eighth when Brad Snyder scored on a passed ball and throwing error by Redbirds' catcher Steven Hill.

Mickey Storey and Enerio Del Rosario threw 2.2 innings of scoreless relief to preserve the win.

Oklahoma City and Memphis finish their four-game series on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Limited tickets remain and are available through the box office on Mickey Mantle Drive, by calling (405) 218-1000, or ordering through okcredhawks.com.

Live coverage of Tuesday's game starts at 6:35 p.m. on AM 1340 The Game, 1340thegame.com, or through the IHeartRadio mobile app.