RedHawks report: Thursday's game

Published: May 23, 2008

•Story line: The RedHawks used a five-run second inning and strong play in the field, including four double plays, to complete a three-game series sweep of New Orleans on Thursday afternoon at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. "We had three or four double plays, (Drew) Meyer with a couple on short hops getting the outs,” RedHawks manager Bobby Jones said. "Eric (Hurley) did a great job pitching today, the bullpen was solid and the hitting was there. We'll take it.”

•On the mound: Hurley started and picked up his first win since April 18. Hurley pitched seven scoreless innings and allowed six hits while striking out five.

•Botts sits: Jason Botts sat out a third consecutive game with an oblique strain. Jones said Botts could return to the lineup today in Iowa as a designated hitter.

•Ortiz on board: The RedHawks added hitting coach Hector Ortiz to the staff on Thursday. Ortiz has spent the last two years in Spokane, Wash., the Rangers' Class A short-season affiliate.

"He's been in the organization for awhile,” Jones said. "He's run the extended spring program in Arizona, and he played for me here years ago. He's done a great job in the minors, so now we brought him up here.”

•Up next: RedHawks (Robinson Tejeda, 0-1, 2.67 ERA) at Iowa (Randy Keisler, 3-4, 3.26 ERA), 7:05 tonight in Des Moines. Iowa is the top farm team for the Chicago Cubs.

By Matt Patterson

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