Late Offense, Bullpen Key 6-1 Win

Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Oklahoma City RedHawks (72-64) got hot at the plate late in the game and coupled that with a strong night from the pitching staff to down the Albuquerque Isotopes (77-60) 6-1 before 3,591 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Monday night.

Within the first half of the game, both teams were able to put runners on base but could not break through and score. Albuquerque eventually scored the game's first run during the fourth inning in unusual fashion. With runners at the corners and two outs, pitcher Jarred Cosart was called for a balk, allowing Scott Van Slyke to score.

The RedHawks were held in check by Albuquerque starting pitcher and former Oklahoma Sooner Will Savage. Pitching in front of several friends and family members, Savage tossed six scoreless innings, allowing seven hits.

When the Isotopes dipped into their bullpen in the seventh, the RedHawks went to work at the plate. They loaded the bases with none out, and Brad Snyder delivered a two-run single off Erick Threets (5-4) to put the RedHawks in front.

After a sac fly by Matt Downs, Mike Hessman connected on his 32nd home run of the season to make it 4-1.

The RedHawks kept it going in the eighth. Snyder added another bases-loaded RBI single, and Hessman drew a walk with the bases full to extend the lead to 6-1.

The team finshed 15 hits with five players collecting multi-hit nights. Eight of the hits came over the seventh and eighth.

While the offense had its resurgence, the pitching staff had another terrific night. Cosart allowed one run over five innings, leaving after throwing 90 pitches.

The bullpen really shined on Monday, holding Albuquerque scoreless and facing the minimum over four innings. Enerio Del Rosario, Garrett Mock, and Chuckie Fick combined to limit the Isotopes to one hit with no walks and four strikeouts. Del Rosario (4-1) earned the win after going two scoreless frames.

With the win, the RedHawks kept their playoff hopes alive, pulling within 4.5 games of the Isotopes with three remaining in the series and seven left overall. The RedHawks and Isotopes continue their series Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available through the box office on S. Mickey Mantle Drive, by calling (405) 218-1000, or ordering through okcredhawks.com.

Live coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on AM 1340 The Game, 1340thegame.com, or through the free IHeartRadio mobile app.