OKC RedHawks: Pitcher Jose Cisnero delivers at the plate and on the mound as Hawks trim Cubs

The RedHawks (70-62) remained 51/2 games behind first-place Albuquerque in South Division. But Albuquerque (76-57) whipped Memphis 6-3 Thursday night and cut its “magic number” to six for eliminating the RedHawks.

Oklahoma City starting pitcher Jose Cisnero helped his own cause in the second inning. The RedHawks had the bases loaded with two outs, when Cisnero ripped a two-run double off Iowa starter Ryan Rowland-Smith. The double was Cisnero's first hit of the season for either the Triple-A RedHawks or Double-A Corpus Christi.

Iowa (51-82) scored its only run in the fourth inning on Dave Sappelt's one-out single. The Cubs had men on second and third with two outs, but Cisnero escaped more trouble by getting Juan Apodaca on a pop to second baseman Matt Downs.

Cisnero (3-1) and relievers Brian Bass and Jose Valdez blanked the Cubs the rest of the way on three hits. Valdez notched save No. 18 of the season.

Game 3 of the series is scheduled 7:05 p.m. Friday. Fernando Abad (2-0, 3.90 ERA) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Oklahoma City.