PCL1 Oklahoma City Comets

RedHawks vs. Storm Chasers - Game Notes - May 31, 2013

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


Today's Game: The RedHawks wrap up their abbreviated three-game homestand against the Omaha Storm Chasers at 7:05 p.m., looking for a fourth-straight win. Postgame fireworks will be presented by Verizon.

Last Game: Six different players recorded Oklahoma City's eight hits in an 8-1 win against Omaha Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Fernando Martinez and Carlos Perez led the RedHawks with two hits apiece. Perez and Che-Hsuan Lin batted in two runs each, as the RedHawks went 4-for-7 with runners in scoring position. RedHawks starting pitcher Asher Wojciechowski (2-2) allowed one run on three hits and struck out four in six innings for the win. Omaha starter Ryan Verdugo (2-3) allowed five runs--although only two earned--on four hits and walked four in the loss. Omaha tied the game, 1-1, in the fourth inning before the RedHawks scored seven unanswered runs to close the game.

Today's Probable Pitcher: Brett Oberholtzer returns to the mound for Oklahoma City to close out the month of May...After a rough April in which he had a 7.79 ERA, Oberholtzer is having a fantastic May. In five starts he has a 2.42 ERA and is holding opponents to a .198 average. The lefty has struck out 27 batters in 26 innings and posted a 3/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio...He's been even better in his last four starts, allowing two runs or less each time (1.61 ERA) and never giving up more than four hits in one outing (.162 AVG). The RedHawks have gone 3-1 in those games...His last outing was in game one of a doubleheader Sunday in Iowa. Oberholtzer pitched well, allowing two runs and four hits over 5.1 efficient innings, but took the loss as the RedHawks fell, 2-1...Oberholtzer ranks second on the team in several pitching categories, including strikeouts (38), starts (9), and innings pitched (43.1).

Against the Storm Chasers: 2013: 2-0 2012: 6-10 All-time: 112-98 In OKC: 57-49

By winning the first two games of this shortened three-game series, the RedHawks have clinched a winning home series against Omaha for the first time since June 26-29, 2010...The RedHawks lead the all-time series with the Storm Chasers, 112-98, but Omaha has won four of the last five season series against Oklahoma City...Last season Omaha won three of four series, although the RedHawks did notch a sweep in Omaha, July 16-19...The Storm Chasers have had considerable success at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark of late, winning 12 of their last 16 games...During the 2012 season series, Omaha averaged 6.9 runs per game...Brett Wallace hit .396 with three home runs and 13 RBI while Fernando Martinez hit .338...These teams will meet again beginning next Thursday in Omaha.

Much Ado About May: With a victory last night, the RedHawks have clinched a winning month. They have had a winning record in seven of the last eight full months of action. This month, the RedHawks have posted a 3.59 ERA, tied for best in the league with Sacramento. Their .220 opponent batting average is the best in the league by a wide margin, as the next lowest is Memphis at .239.

30 For 30: The RedHawks captured their 30th win of season last night. They also notched win number 30 in game 53 last season, which oddly enough, also occurred on May 30.

Bats Starting to Break Out: The RedHawks appear to be coming out of their recent slump, scoring 17 runs over the last three games after totaling just 12 runs over the five games prior. After a 22-run, 23-hit outburst May 21-22 in Fresno, the RedHawks hit proceeded to hit .194 over the next five games, all losses. They've batted .242 (22x91) during their current three-game win streak.

Familiar Act: In his return to the RedHawks, Robbie Grossman went 0-for-3 but drew two walks, scored twice, and stole a base. Prior to this promotion to Houston on April 24, Grossman ranked tied for second in the PCL in walks.

Walk This Way: The RedHawks have drawn at least five walks in seven of their last 10 games. They've recorded a total of 54 walks during the 10-game stretch and currently rank second in the league with 219 walks this season. Marc Krauss leads the team with 34 walks, which is tied for third in the PCL. Krauss (34 BB/33 K), Jake Elmore (23 BB/23 K), and Che-Hsuan Lin (27 BB/22 K) have each walked at least as much as they've struck out this season.

Hold the Hits: The RedHawks pitching staff has allowed five or less hits in six of their last seven games. The have allowed more one than one hit just once in the past 32 innings. Over the last five games, opponents are hitting a scant .154.

At Your Own RISP: Omaha went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position Thursday and are now 1-for-10 in the series. The RedHawks have held their opponents to a 2-for-25 mark over the last five games. Opponents have hit .179 (30-for-168) with runners in scoring position over the last 21 games. On offense, the RedHawks are 9-for-22 with runners in scoring position the last three games.

Runnin' RedHawks of OKC: The RedHawks stole one base last night to bring their league-leading season total to 69 -- 13 more than the next-closest teams. Reno and Albuquerque are tied for second-most in the league with 56 each.

Closing Arguments: The RedHawks are 10-3 in series finales this season, including 6-0 at home.

Pitch in for Oklahoma: Tonight the RedHawks are starting "Pitch in for Oklahoma," a youth baseball and softball equipment drive to benefit youth leagues affected by recent storms in Oklahoma. Fans can drop off new baseball and softball equipment at the Sonic Customer Service Booth behind section 113. Donations will be continue to be accepted at the RedHawks team store Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well during the RedHawks next homestand, June 10-17.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE AND PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUPS (ALL TIMES CENTRAL)

DATE TIME OPPONENT OKC PITCHER(S) OPP. PITCHER

Saturday, June 1 8:05 p.m. @ Albuquerque RHP Ross Seaton (2-4, 7.78) LHP Aaron Laffey (1-2, 6.31)

Sunday, June 2 7:05 p.m. @ Albuquerque RHP Jarred Cosart (5-2, 2.65) RHP Matt Palmer (1-3, 5.18)

Monday, June 3 8:05 p.m. @ Albuquerque TBA RHP Angel Castro (4-2, 3.20)

Tuesday, June 4 1:05 p.m. @ Albuquerque RHP Asher Wojciechowski (2-2, 3.94) RHP Matt Magill (1-0, 2.16)

Check out the Oklahoma City Comets Statistics



Pacific Coast League Stories from May 31, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central