Royals eliminated from postseason; lose 3-1 in OK City

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The O-Royals were officially eliminated from the Pacific Coast League playoffs as the Oklahoma City Redhawks defeated Omaha 3-1 in front of 6,572 fans at Bricktown Ballpark. The loss officially ends professional baseball at historic Rosenblatt Stadium.

Oklahoma City starter Michael Ballard (6-8) pitched seven strong innings, holding the Royals to just one run on four hits to pick up the win.

Royals starter Luis Mendoza (10-9), who had won his last five decisions, suffered the loss allowing three runs in six innings. After retiring the Redhawks in order the first three innings, Mendoza allowed consecutive two-out RBI singles to Hernan Iribarren and Ryan Garko to give the Redhawks a 2-0 lead.

The Royals, who managed just five hits in the game, cut the lead in half on Jordan Parraz two-out RBI double in the fifth inning.

The Redhawks got the run back in the bottom of the fifth on James Tomlin's second homer of the season off Mendoza to complete the scoring.

Redhawks reliever Warner Madrigal squashed the Royals postseason hopes for good, retiring the five Royals hitters he would face to pick up his second save.

Omaha plays the second of the four-game set on Saturday morning at 11:05 AM CDT. Gaby Hernandez (9-6) will pitch for the Royals against Redhawks righthander Brandon McCarthy (4-1).