PCL1 Oklahoma City Comets

Fresno Captures Series Finale, 4-1

May 24, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release


Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Grizzlies hit two home runs and got a strong start from pitcher Mike Kickham in a 4-1 win over the Oklahoma City RedHawks before 6,174 Thursday night at Chukchansi Park.

With the loss, the RedHawks (27-19) split the four-game series in Fresno and are now 4-4 through the first eight games of their 13-game road trip.

Kickham (3-4) earned his third win in as many starts with 6.1 quality innings. He allowed one run and four hits with three walks and four strikeouts. The lefty also allowed just one runner to reach scoring position while he was in the game. He was effectively able to stifle a RedHawks offense that had scored 22 runs and tallied 23 hits over the past two games.

The game was scoreless until Jackson Williams and Juan Perez hit back-to-back doubles to begin the bottom of the third to give the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead. Perez advanced to third base with none out, but RedHawks pitcher Jarred Cosart prevented him from scoring.

With Fresno (27-21) still ahead 1-0 in the bottom of the fifth, Gary Brown connected on a solo home run to extend the lead to 2-0. It was the second home run of the series for Brown, who had hit just one home run for the season coming into the series.

The RedHawks got on the board in the seventh. Austin Wates doubled Che-Husan Lin home with one out to make it 2-1. Wates became just the second RedHawk runner in scoring position up to that point, but he would not advance past second base.

The Grizzlies loaded the bases with one out in the bottom in the seventh. RedHawks reliever Kevin Chapman came out of the bullpen and struck out Roger Kieschnick and Hector Sanchez on a total of seven pitches to keep Oklahoma City within one.

Fresno, however, would add to its lead in the eighth. Johnny Monell hit a two-run homer to make it a 4-1 game.

Wates hit his second double of the night in the top of the ninth, but Heath Hembree kept the RedHawks scoreless in the inning and recorded his 13th save of the season.

Cosart (4-2) turned in a quality start, but picked up his second consecutive loss. He tied season highs with six innings and six hits, surrendering two runs. Cosart struck out six and walked two.

The RedHawks will continue their road trip Friday night when they open a series with the Iowa Cubs at 7:05 p.m. at Principal Park. Live coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free IHeartRadio mobile app.

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