Storms, Tornado Threat Stops RedHawks Game

Thunderstorms and the threat of tornadoes suspended play Monday night at Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark, with the Oklahoma RedHawks owning a large lead.

The RedHawks led Memphis 7-0 when play was suspended with no outs in the third inning and one Memphis base runner on second base. The game is scheduled to resume today, as part of a doubleheader of seven-inning contests.

The game was stopped at 6:50 p.m. Eighteen minutes later, all fans and employees were asked to move to the first level of the ballpark. A few minutes later, the 1,000 to 2,000 fans were moved into the underground area outside the locker rooms.

RedHawk players and their families huddled in the team locker room to watch television coverage of the Oklahoma tornadoes.

After viewing video of a neighborhood devastated by the tornado, RedHawks manager Greg Biagini said, "We may not play at all (today)."

At 8:02 p.m., a strong natural gas odor wafted into the ballpark. Team officials briefly evacuated the park, fearing a gas leak. It was quickly determined that winds had carried the odor from areas hit by the tornadoes.