Sidewinders Blow Late Lead, Fall to RedHawks

Published on August 4, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release


Oklahoma City, OK - The Sidewinders scored five times in the top of the eighth inning to take a 7-6 lead, only to see Oklahoma rally for seven runs in the bottom of the eighth as the Redhawks beat the Sidewinders 13-7 on Monday afternoon.

Juan Gutierrez gave up a pair of runs in each of the first two innings including home runs to Chris Shelton and Nick Trzesniak, and Doug Slaten allowed two runs in the sixth to put the Sidewinders behind 6-2. Tucson came back in the eighth against Oklahoma's bullpen as Joselo Diaz walked four men and Bill White gave up a two run double to Donnie Kelly, a sacrifice fly to Phil Avlas and threw a wild pitch that allowed Kelly to score the go ahead run.

Reid Mahon was brought in to protect the one run lead but blew his third save with the Sidewinders. Mahon allowed a one out RBI single to Casey Benjamin and then walked Trzesniak and Jason Ellison to force in the go ahead run. Drew Meyer hit a sacrifice fly to pad the lead and Chris Shelton ripped a two run double to left-center chasing Mahon from the game.

Mahon has blown three of his last four save opportunities after beginning the season 21 for 21. He was charged with six earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning.

Dustin Glant gave up a double to Nate Gold and a single to Ryan Roberts before retiring John Mayberry to end the inning.

The Sidewinders had other opportunities earlier in the game but could not capitalize. Kelly lined into an inning ending double play with the bases loaded and one out in the sixth and after a leadoff single by Avlas in the seventh, Jeff Salazar struck out and Trent Oeltjen grounded into a double play.

Josh Whitesell went 1 for 3 to extend his hitting streak to 12. Oeltjen, returning to the lineup after three games due to a bruised right elbow, went 0 for 5 to snap his hitting streak at 14.

Slaten allowed two runs on two walks and a hit in his first rehab appearance. He is scheduled to throw again for the Sidewinders on Wednesday afternoon.

The Sidewinders and Redhawks play game three of their series on Tuesday night at Bricktown Ballpark. Right-hander Max Scherzer (0-0, 3.03) starts for Tucson against left-hander Derek Lee (0-1, 6.75) for Oklahoma. First pitch is at 5:05 Tucson time. The game will air LIVE on COOL 1450 beginning at 4:55.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from August 4, 2008


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