PCL1 Oklahoma City Comets

Redbirds Deliver Two Big Blows, Shutout Dodgers

Published on July 30, 2015 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release


Memphis, Tenn. - The Memphis Redbirds scored nine runs with the bases loaded and had three pitchers combine on a five-hit shutout, blanking the Oklahoma City Dodgers, 9-0, Thursday night at AutoZone Park.

The Redbirds (57-49) scored all nine of their runs with the bases loaded and two outs across two big innings. Starting pitcher Nick Greenwood tossed seven scoreless innings and became the PCL's second 10-game winner this season. He combined with relievers Justin Wright and Heath Wyatt for the team's 11th shutout of the season.

Greenwood (10-3) allowed five hits with one walk and two strikeouts. He used just 79 pitches to complete seven innings, retiring the side on 10 or fewer pitches three times. The trio of Redbirds hurlers retired the final nine OKC hitters in order.

The Dodgers (62-42) were shutout for the fifth time this season and were held to five hits, with none for extra bases. They've lost four straight games for the second time during the current road trip and have now lost nine of their last 11 games.

The Redbirds caught a couple of breaks in the first inning, and as a result, jumped out to a 4-0 lead. Memphis loaded the bases with none out before OKC pitcher Randy Fontanez got a pop out and strikeout for the first two outs. Alex Mejia came up next and hit a weak ground ball to third base. Mejia was able to beat Andy Wilkins' throw to first, and a run scored on the infield single.

Matt Williams came up next and sent a ground ball that barely stayed fair down the third base line. The ball went all the way to the left field corner and ended up being a bases-clearing double, making it 4-0.

OKC manager Damon Berryhill contested the ruling that the ball was fair and eventually was ejected for the second straight game.

After the rough first inning, Fontanez held Memphis scoreless over his final four innings. At one point, Fontanez and reliever Ramon Troncoso combined to retire 13 consecutive Memphis hitters.

Still trailing 4-0 in the seventh inning, the Dodgers had a chance to cut into the deficit, loading the bases with none out. But Greenwood retired the next three batters without allowing a run to score, keeping the Dodgers off the scoreboard.

After having a runner at first with two outs in the bottom of the inning, the Redbirds rallied managed to rally for five runs. Tommy Pham drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 5-0. Jeremy Hazelbaker stepped up next and drilled a grand slam to right field, pushing the lead to 9-0.

Outside of the two big innings, the Redbirds were limited no runs and one hit over the other six frames.

Filling in for Brandon Beachy, who was designated for assignment a few hours before game time, Fontanez (1-4) was able to get through five innings. He allowed four runs and five hits, with one walk and three strikeouts in a losing decision. Fontanez finished strong, retiring the final 10 batters he faced.

The Dodgers will look to avoid a sweep in their final game at AutoZone Park Friday 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 30, 2015


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