RedHawks and Redbirds Split Double Dip
Memphis, Tenn. - Able to finally resume play following the All-Star Break, the Oklahoma City RedHawks and Memphis Redbirds split a doubleheader before 7,537 at AutoZone Park Friday night.
The RedHawks (52-47) took game one, 4-1, on the strength of another great outing by pitcher Brad Peacock and a couple of home runs. The Redbirds (49-51) bounced back in the nightcap and used a big first inning to win 5-1.
Peacock (6-2) allowed one run over 6.2 innings for a seventh-straight quality start. He allowed five hits with no walks and set a season high with 10 strikeouts.
Memphis was able to get to Peacock for its only run in the first inning. With one out, Kolten Wong tripled and Chad Huffman followed with an RBI groundout to make it 1-0.
The RedHawks took the lead in the fourth when George Springer homered to put Oklahoma City in front 2-1. Springer lined an 0-2 pitch into the grass seating in left field for his eight home run with RedHawks and 29th overall this year.
The RedHawks maintained their one-run lead until the seventh. Jose Martinez connected on a two-run homer, extending the lead to 4-1.
In the bottom of the inning, Memphis started things off with a pair of hits to bring the tying run to the plate with none out. Peacock retired the next two batters before giving way to closer Josh Zeid, who got Tommy Pham to ground out to end the game, as Zeid collected his 11th save.
Memphis starting pitcher Nick Additon turned in a strong outing but took the loss. Addition (6-6) allowed two runs and five hits over six innings. The lefty tied a season high with nine strikeouts and did not allow a walk.
The Redbirds got out to a hot start in the second game, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Adron Chambers hit a ground ball to short, mishandled by Jonathan Villar.
Although the play allowed a run to score, the real damage occurred when the Redbirds took advantage of the extra out when there were two down in the frame. Greg Garcia hit a two-run single, and Jermaine Curtis followed with an RBI knock to finish the rally.
The RedHawks scored their only run in the third inning after a two-out RBI single by Brandon Laird. Looking to further cut into the lead, the RedHawks loaded the bases, but Marwin Gonzalez grounded out to end the threat.
Memphis got the run back in the bottom of the inning courtesy of an RBI double by Pham.
The five runs were more than enough for Memphis pitcher Tyler Lyons, who fired six strong innings. Lyons (5-1) allowed one run and six hits, holding the RedHawks to a 1-for-7 mark with runners in scoring position. He struck out six and walked two.
Making a spot start for the RedHawks, Eric Berger took the loss. Berger (3-3) got through three innings, and of the five runs he allowed, only two were earned. He gave up five hits and two walks with one strikeout.
The RedHawks are now 9-9 over their league-leading nine doubleheaders this season. Friday was the seventh time they split a twin bill.
The series continues Saturday at 6:05 p.m., as the RedHawks will square off against longtime St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter, who is set to make a rehab start. Live coverage begins at 5:35 p.m. on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free IHeartRadio mobile app.