PCL1 Oklahoma City Comets

Fifth Inning Sparks Memphis Again

Published on July 29, 2015 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release


Memphis, Tenn. - For the second straight game, the Memphis Redbirds put together a key rally in the fifth inning, and the three-run frame held up in a 3-2 win over the Oklahoma City Dodgers Wednesday afternoon at AutoZone Park.

After winning seven of their first eight meetings against Memphis, the Dodgers (62-41) have lost each of the first two games of the current series, both by one run. Oklahoma City's recent slide continued Wednesday, as the Dodgers have lost three straight overall as well as eight of their last 10 games.

The game was scoreless through three innings, but the Dodgers took the lead on one swing in the fourth. Andy Wilkins homered for the second straight day, and his solo shot to right field put OKC in front, 1-0.

But also for the second straight day, Memphis (56-49) produced a big fifth inning to take the lead. Each of the first four Redbirds collected a base hit, including a go-ahead two-run homer by Alex Mejia. Ed Easley added a RBI groundout later in the inning, making it a 3-1 game.

Not only did Mejia's third home run of the season put the Redbirds in the lead for good, but he also made several tremendous defensive plays throughout the game at third base, taking several potential base hits away from the Dodgers.

The Dodgers used another home run in the top of the seventh to pull within one run. Leading off the inning, Kyle Jensen went deep onto the left field bluff.

Still trailing 3-2 in the eighth, the Dodgers had a great chance to score, but could not convert. Each of the first two batters reached base, and a sacrifice bunt by Darwin Barney moved both runners into scoring position with one out.

Rehabbing St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jordan Walden struck out Chris Heisey for the second out. After an intentional walk to Andy Wilkins, Mitch Harris struck out Jensen to end the inning, as the Dodgers left the bases loaded.

Down by a run in the ninth inning, Elliot Johnson drew a one-out walk. On the first pitch to the next batter, Johnson took off for second base. Although Johnson initially had the base stolen, he overslid the bag and was tagged out. Ralph Henriquez then flied out to end the game.

Memphis starting pitcher Tyler Lyons went seven strong innings to earn his seventh win. After Darnell Sweeney reached base on an error to start the game, Lyons (7-5) retired 17 of the next 18 batters he faced. He had retired 11 straight leading up to Wilkins' home run. The lefty allowed a total of four hits, with two strikeouts and no walks.

Eric Stults allowed three runs and nine hits over five innings to take the loss. Stults (1-1) struck out two and did not allow a walk.

Harris recorded the final four outs to pick up his third save.

The Dodgers and Redbirds continue their series Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Live coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on AM 1340 "The Game", 1340thegame.com, or through the iHeartRadio mobile app.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 29, 2015


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