RedHawks Shut Down Isotopes, 3-1

ALBUQUERQUE - A trio of Oklahoma City RedHawks (9-7) pitchers led the way to an impressive 3-1 win over the Albuquerque Isotopes (8-8) before a crowd of 10,065 at hitter-friendly Isotopes Park Saturday night.

Jarred Cosart, Wes Musick, and Jose Valdez held a potent Isotopes offense to just one run and four hits. They combined to strike out 11 with just one walk.

Both teams got off to a slow start at the plate, as the game was scoreless through three innings. However, both teams got on the board in the fourth.

In the top of the inning, Marc Krauss ripped an RBI triple to extend his hit streak to nine games and give the RedHawks the lead. Jimmy Paredes followed with a sac fly to make it 2-0.

Albuquerque would respond in its next at-bat. Elian Herrera led off with a double, and Alex Castellanos stepped up next and delivered an RBI single to cut the lead to 2-1.

Castellanos would advance to second on a wild pitch with none out, but Cosart was able to retire the next three hitters and keep the RedHawks in the lead.

Cosart (2-0) exited the game after five innings, turning in another strong outing. He allowed one run and three hits with no walks and six strikeouts. Cosart retired the final six hitters he faced, including five strikeouts.

Musick followed Cosart and the duo made a great tandem once again. Musick tossed three scoreless innings, allowing one hit with one walk and three strikeouts.

Musick retired the first five hitters he faced, marking the third straight time Musick and Cosart combined to retire at least 11 consecutive batters at one point.

The RedHawks extended the lead in the eighth. With runners at the corners, Jake Elmore checked his swing and sent a weak ground ball to third base. Rusty Ryal's throw home was errant, allowing Cody Clark to score and make it 3-1.

After a single by Trevor Crowe to extend his hit streak to 14 games, the RedHawks had the bases loaded with none out. However, Albuquerque pitcher Steve Ames found a way to get out of the jam with no more runs coming across.

The missed opportunity did not come back to hurt the RedHawks, as Musick and Valdez retired the final seven Albuquerque hitters. Valdez recorded two strikeouts in the ninth as he earned his fourth save of the season.

With the win, the RedHawks captured their first series opening victory of the season as well as ended a three-game losing streak at Isotopes Park.

The RedHawks and Isotopes will meet Sunday afternoon at 2:35 p.m. central time. Live coverage begins at 2:05 p.m. on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free IHeartRadio mobile app.