Papillion, Neb. - The Oklahoma City RedHawks (58-40) mashed three more home runs and staved off a late rally by the Omaha Storm Chasers (58-41) to win 9-8 and complete a four-game sweep before 6,888 at Werner Park Thursday night.
With the win, the RedHawks became just the second team to sweep the Storm Chasers at Werner Park since it opened in 2011. The RedHawks have won five straight overall, as well as a season-best five straight on the road.
The RedHawks got started right away with two runs in the first. Brandon Barnes and Jimmy Paredes each singled to begin the contest, and each scored on an error and a double play, respectively.
Omaha took the lead in the bottom of the inning. Tony Abreu knocked an RBI double, and Clint Robinson followed with a two-run homer to make it 3-2.
Brad Snyder answered with a homer in the second to tie the game. Later in the frame, Paredes added a two-run shot to put the RedHawks in front at 5-3.
Travis Buck drove in runs in the third and fifth to extend the lead to four. Landon Powell homered to start the sixth, and Matt Dominguez added an RBI single in the seventh to make it a 9-3 game.
Omaha got back in it with a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh by Adam Moore.
The Storm Chasers would do everything they could to avoid the sweep, scoring three times in the ninth and putting the tying run on base. Moore lifted a sac fly to make it 9-6, and with two outs, Johnny Giavotellla hit a two-run homer to pull Omaha within one.
After Juan Abreu walked the tying run on base, he regrouped and got Robinson to pop out to end the game as Abreu claimed his fifth save.
The win secured a victory for Armando Galarraga, who pitched a season-high seven innings. He pitched better than his line would indicate, as he allowed five runs and six hits. Galarraga (3-2) walked one with six strikeouts.
Jake Odorizzi endured his first Triple-A loss, allowing a season-high seven runs and 10 hits over five innings. Odorizzi (6-1) walked and struck out one each.
The RedHawks continue their road trip at AutoZone Park in Memphis 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 free IHeartRadio mobile app.
- Alex Freedman
