Jensen, Baker Power Dodgers to Victory

Metairie, La. - Kyle Jensen blasted two home runs and Scott Baker fired seven scoreless innings, leading the Oklahoma City Dodgers to an 8-3 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Friday night at Zephyr Field.

With the win, the Dodgers (24-11) split their four-game series with the Zephyrs (17-16) as well as their eight-game road trip. The Dodgers also avoided losing a series for the first time all season. 

The Dodgers took advantage of several New Orleans miscues in the third inning to score four times and take a 4-0 lead. The Zephyrs committed two errors in the inning, including a fielding error by right fielder Cole Gillespie on a Corey Seager single that allowed the first run to score.

Chris Heisey drove in the second run on a fielder's choice, during which no out was made. The Dodgers capped the rally with a two-run, two-out single by Buck Britton. 

The Dodgers added to their lead with one big swing in the top of the fifth. With two runners on, Jensen hit a deep drive to center field. Although it initially appeared the ball went off the wall and was a two-run double for Jensen, first base umpire Brett Terry ruled the ball actually deflected off the safety fence above the yellow home run line before coming back into play. Instead, Jensen's third home run of the season made it 7-0. 

There was no controversy when Jensen stepped up to the plate again in the seventh inning. He belted the first pitch he saw well over the right field fence, giving OKC an 8-0 lead. 

It was the second multi-homer game by a Dodger this season, as Jensen joined Chris Heisey, who went deep twice April 11 against Round Rock. 

The eight runs were more than enough offense for Baker, who retired 21 of the 25 batters he faced. Pitching on just three days' rest, Baker (2-2) scattered three hits with no walks and six strikeouts. It was the second time in his last three starts with OKC he threw seven scoreless innings. 

The Zephyrs were able to get their offense going once Baker left the game. New Orleans scored three times with two outs in the eighth inning. With the bases loaded, Vinny Rottino singled, Brady Shoemaker walked, and Juan Diaz hit a RBI single to make it 8-3. OKC Dodgers reliever Ramon Troncoso got Isaac Galloway to fly out to center field to end the threat.

New Orleans pitcher Pat Misch was handed a loss for the second time in two meetings with the Dodgers. Misch (2-3) allowed seven runs (three earned) and six hits over 4.1 innings. He walked two and struck out three.

The Dodgers return home to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to face the Iowa Cubs at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night. It's the first Devon Energy Hometown Heroes Celebration Night, and the first 2,000 fans will receive an OKC Dodgers souvenir baseball. Tickets are available by calling (405) 218-1000, through okcdodgers.com, or at the team box office on S. Mickey Mantle Drive in Bricktown.

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