RedHawks clinch second despite loss
Published on September 3, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release
The Oklahoma RedHawks fell to Albuquerque Sunday night 7-4 at Isotopes Park, dropping their third straight this series and seventh straight road game. Despite that, the callup- and injury-depleted RedHawks clinched second place in the American South Division by virtue of New Orleans' loss.
Since becoming the RedHawks in 1998, they've have never finished below second place, winning four division titles.
Starter Derek Lee (6-12) pitched valiantly in defeat, soaking up seven innings and 131 pitches while allowing seven runs on 10 hits. All of Albuquerque's runs came in the third through fifth innings, as for the first time in the series the RedHawks failed to establish an early lead.
Oklahoma had its chances, but went 3-for-18 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base, eight in scoring position against four Isotopes pitchers including starter Chris George (5-6), who pitched 5 2/3 innings.
Brad Clontz pitched a scoreless ninth for his 23rd save as Albuquerque improved to 70-71.
The RedHawks entered the game with 22 active players and one of those, Jamie Burke, was unable to play because of an ankle injury. Texas recalled pitcher John Rheinecker (who was not scheduled to pitch this series) prior to the game and purchased the contrtact of catcher Miguel Ojeda. Hunter Harrigan, a rookie who played at Southern Illinois University this spring, was promoted from Class A Spokane and made his Triple-A debut behind the plate.
Oklahoma, 73-70, will pitch right-hander R.A. Dickey on Monday afternoon against lefty Adam Bostick in the season finale at Isotopes Park. Game time is 1:35 p.m. mountain time and the broadcast will air on KEBC 1340 AM and the RedHawks Radio Network.
Pacific Coast League Stories from September 3, 2006
- Sidewinders reach 91 wins - Tucson Sidewinders
- Isotopes top RedHawks 7-4, win fourth straight - Albuquerque Isotopes
- RedHawks clinch second despite loss - Oklahoma City Comets
- Sounds clinch division title with 4-2 win - Nashville Sounds
- Z's shut out by Memphis - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Bees edge Beavers 8-6 - Portland Beavers
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes Sept. 3 - Oklahoma City Comets
- 9/3 Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Sidewinders Stifle Late Rally, Hold Off Rainers - Tucson Sidewinders
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