RedHawks win sixth straight

The Oklahoma City RedHawks parlayed a five run first inning into an 11-5 win over Round Rock on Friday. It was the Astros AAA farm team’s sixth straight win and they remain 1.5 games out of first place with three games left to play. Express starting pitcher Zach Johnson couldn’t find the plate, issuing a PCL record six walks in the first inning.

The RedHawks would chase Johnson from the game in the fourth, an inning in which they plated five more runs. First-baseman Mike Hessman clubbed his 43th homer of the season and Carlos Corporan added three RBIs. J.D. Martinez reached base four times with two hits and two walks.

Rudy Owens won his second straight decision with another solid effort on the mound. Owens went six innings, allowing one run on four hits. He struck out three and did not walk a batter. Owens is now 2-3 with a 4.34 ERA in eight starts since coming over in the Wandy Rodriguez trade.

The Redhawks send Jarred Cosart to the mound tonight against the Rangers AAA squad. Derek Hankins gets the start for Round Rock. Cosart has made one relief appearance and two starts since returning from the D.L. with a blister problem. He has been removed from the game after five innings innings in both starts. The RedHawks hope Cosart can go deeper into the game tonight as they stay in hot pursuit of the Albuquerque Isotopes for the division title and a playoff berth.