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2023 Pacific Coast League playoffs coverage

Seasoned Dodgers prospects lead Oklahoma City to Finals sweep
September 28, 2023

Championship Series Sept. 27

Championship Series

Sept. 27

Dodgers 5, Express 2
The Oklahoma City Dodgers roster has undergone a lot of change throughout the 2023 season. Key players have been promoted to the Majors, and some have returned.

But all of that big-game experience paid off as the Triple-A club swept the best-of-3 Pacific Coast League Championship Series against the Round Rock Express at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. In doing so, the Dodgers secured their first championship since moving to Oklahoma City in 2015.

Top Dodgers prospects who spent significant time in Los Angeles this year played a big role in the title-winning game. Infielder Michael Busch continued to swing the bat well with the decisive three-run homer, and starter Gavin Stone struck out 10 across 6 1/3 innings to earn the win.

"I'm sure it's hard for some guys, once you go up and you pitch in front of 50,000 people, to come back down to Triple-A and have that same type of adrenaline," Oklahoma City manager Travis Barbary said. "But last night, Kyle Hurt, and tonight, Gavin Stone, these guys wanted it. It's just fun to watch." Full story

Sept. 26

Dodgers 8, Express 3
Oklahoma City utilized a stellar outing from Kyle Hurt and a strong offensive showing to take the opener of the best-of-3 Finals.

The Dodgers' No. 12 prospect yielded one run on two hits and three walks while striking out eight over four innings in the start. In seven games (one start) for Oklahoma City, Hurt posted a 2-1 record with a 3.33 ERA while striking out 42 and walking only 11.

As the recently named the 2023 Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher of the Year silenced the Express lineup, Oklahoma City got off to a roaring start on offense led by a career night at the plate by Drew Avans. Out of the leadoff spot, the 5-foot-9 outfielder went a perfect 4-for-4 with a walk and three RBIs.

Hunter Feduccia (LAD No. 29) belted the only home run in the contest -- a 373-foot solo blast -- in the bottom of the sixth. In 90 games for Oklahoma City this season, Feduccia slashed .279/.387/.451 with 11 homers and a career-high 57 RBIs. Yonny Hernandez added a ground-rule RBI double.

Jud Fabian collected two hits and two RBIs while Davis Wendzel added a pair of hits and scored two runs for Round Rock. Box score