PCL1 Oklahoma City Comets

RedHawks vs. Aces - Game Notes - July 31, 2013

July 31, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release


Today's Game: The RedHawks take on Reno at 7:05 p.m. in the second meeting of a four-game series between the teams. The RedHawks have won five straight games for the first time since a seven-game winning streak, April 26-May 2.

Last Game: The RedHawks held the Aces scoreless through five innings and built an early lead in an eventual 4-2 win Tuesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. RedHawks starting pitcher Jake Buchanan (3-2) secured the win, allowing two runs and six hits through seven innings. The RedHawks notched a run in each the first, third, and fourth innings to build a 3-0 advantage. The Aces pulled within one run in the sixth after plating two runs, but the RedHawks answered with another run in the bottom of the inning. Reno did not have a hit over the final three innings, and Rhiner Cruz retired the final four batters to earn his second save. Rehabbing Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Trevor Cahill picked up the loss and allowed four runs (three earned) and five hits in 5.1 innings.

Today's Probable Pitcher: Wade LeBlanc seeks a third win in as many starts when he takes the mound for Oklahoma City tonight...In his last start Friday against Iowa, LeBlanc allowed three runs on five hits in 5.0 innings and earned the win in a 10-6 RedHawks victory. He struck out four and issued three walks...Prior to Friday, LeBlanc had not allowed a walk in three consecutive starts, and all three of his free passes came around to score. He has an even 3-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio since joining OKC (24 K/8 BB)...The lefty has done a good job limiting the opposition with runners in scoring position, holding opponents to a .200 average...LeBlanc was designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins and claimed off waivers by Houston June 8. After making three relief appearances for the Astros, he was designated for assignment again. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to the RedHawks on June 28...Tonight is LeBlanc's first start against Reno since July 22, 2009 when he played for the Portland Beavers. He made two starts against the Aces that season with both games in Reno and went 0-1 with an 8.49 ERA.

Against the Aces: 2013: 1-0 2012: 2-2 All-time: 10-7 In OKC: 7-2

With last night's win, the RedHawks have won seven of nine all-time meetings at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, including five of the last six...Reno and Oklahoma City split their four-game series, 2-2, in 2012 at Aces Ballpark. It was an offensively-charged series with both teams scoring 36 runs apiece and each reaching 10 runs in a game twice. The RedHawks hit an astounding 12 home runs over the four games (Reno hit six)...Oklahoma City has won nine of the last 13 games between the teams...This series marks the Aces' first visit to Bricktown since Aug. 16-19, 2011. The RedHawks took three of four, and three games were decided by one or two runs.

High-Water Mark: With Tuesday's win, the RedHawks now sit 11 games above .500 for the first time this season and have won five games in a row for the first time since winning seven straight April 26-May 2.

Leaders, Not Followers: During their current five-game winning streak, the RedHawks have trailed for only one half-inning. Iowa took a brief 3-2 lead in the eighth inning Monday night before the RedHawks tied it up in the bottom of the inning.

Don't Want to Say Goodbye to July: The RedHawks are 17-10 this month and are tied with Omaha and Salt Lake for the league's best record. It's also the most wins they've recorded in a single month since going 18-12 in August 2011.

Mound Magic: Since the All-Star Break, the RedHawks have a 2.36 ERA (32 ER/122.1 IP). The starters have combined for a 2.12 ERA (21 ER/85.1 IP) and allowed more than two earned runs in a game just twice.

Outhit, Not Outclassed: The RedHawks have won the past three nights despite getting outhit each time. They had been just 8-33 (.195 winning pct.) in games in which the opponent outhit them before the recent run.

Running with the Pac: The RedHawks are in the midst of a stretch of 16 consecutive games against Pacific Conference opponents. Thus far the RedHawks are 10-7 against teams from the other side of the league, including a 6-3 mark at home.

Change of Scenery: Neither the RedHawks nor the Aces collected an extra-base hit last night. They combined for 44 extra-base hits during their four-game series in Reno last season.

30 Rock: George Springer was held hitless last night, but he did drive in a run to bring his RBI total up to 28 in 31 games with the RedHawks. Springer's 29 home runs overall this season are tied for the Minor League lead with Ryan Rua of Low-A Hickory. He has stolen 35 bases overall and is one home run away from becoming the first player in the Minors to go 30/30 since Grant Desme in 2009.

Jimmy Jamming: Jimmy Paredes is on a nine-game hitting streak and has hit safely in each of his last 10 games (*first game on July 23 not part of streak since stats revert to June 8). He is hitting .360 (14-for-39) with two home runs, six runs scored and seven RBI during the 10-game stretch.

As the Crowe Flies: Astros outfielder Trevor Crowe is 1-for-10 over the first three games of his rehab assignment. Crowe has been sidelined since spraining the AC joint in his right shoulder after he ran into a wall while attempting to make a catch on June 20. He spent the first month of the season with the RedHawks, hitting .307/2/14. The RedHawks are 11-2 when Crowe leads off this season.

First Things First: The RedHawks hold a league-high 45 wins when scoring first this season (45-18).

UPCOMING SCHEDULE AND PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUPS (ALL TIMES CENTRAL)

DATE TIME OPPONENT OKC PITCHER OPP. PITCHER

Thursday, August 1 7:05 p.m. Reno RHP Paul Clemens (1-0, 5.40) LHP Tyler Skaggs (6-6, 4.26)

Friday, August 2 7:05 p.m. Reno RHP Asher Wojciechowski (6-4, 2.83) RHP Zeke Spruill (4-3, 3.24)

Saturday, August 3 7:05 p.m. Colo. Springs RHP Brad Peacock (6-2, 2.73) TBA

Sunday, August 4 7:05 p.m. Colo. Springs RHP Jake Buchanan (3-2, 3.08) TBA

Check out the Oklahoma City Comets Statistics



Pacific Coast League Stories from July 31, 2013


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