RedHawks open homestand with a victory over Omaha

Overflowing onto the lawn behind center field, a crowd of 10,009 attended Oklahoma City's 4-3 win over Omaha.

“It was a good homecoming,” RedHawks manager Tony DeFrancesco said. “We've been on the road for a long time, it seems like. To have 10,000 people here when we get back, that's a good feeling.”

And the RedHawks have thrived in their home park.

With Saturday's win, their impressive home record improved to 26-10, the second-best winning percentage in the league.

“Just look at our home record, it's great,” Francesco said. “Guys are playing with confidence here.”

BULLPEN SAVES GAME

Coming in, the Oklahoma City bullpen knew it would be forced into extended action.

With Houston Astros starter Bud Norris on a rehab assignment for his sprained knee, limiting him to 75 pitches, the RedHawk relievers were on call early.

And they got the ball to start the sixth inning, handed a 4-2 lead, facing one of the league's best offensive teams.

After Enerio Del Rosario gave up a quick run, shrinking the lead to one, three OKC relievers held on, allowing two hits and no runs over the final three frames.

“They did a good job,” DeFrancesco said. “We just mixed and matched the bullpen. Unfortunately we don't have any lefties down there, and these righties had to go against some pretty good left-handed hitters. But they got it done.”