OKC Unable to Complete Comeback in 4-3 Loss

Las Vegas Aviators – 4

Oklahoma City Dodgers – 3

Saturday, July 9, 2022 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla.

Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Dodgers scored three straight runs to reduce an early deficit, but were unable to complete a comeback against the Las Vegas Aviators in a 4-3 loss Saturday night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The Aviators (47-36) built a 4-0 lead as they went on to win the series between the teams, 4-2. Las Vegas’ Vince Fernandez hit a home run out to right field in the second inning and Shea Langeliers homered out to center field in the third inning for a 2-0 lead. The Aviators added two more runs in the fourth inning on a RBI single by Drew Jackson and a Dodgers throwing error to build a four-run advantage. The Dodgers (49-35) scored their first two runs of the night in the fifth inning on a RBI triple by Drew Avans and a RBI single by Miguel Vargas. A two-out RBI single by Jake Amaya in the eighth inning cut Las Vegas’ lead to one run in the series finale. Four Dodgers pitchers combined to hold the Aviators scoreless and to four hits over the game’s final 5.1 innings.

Of Note:

-With Saturday’s loss, the Dodgers dropped the final two games of their series with the Aviators and have now lost seven of their first nine games of July. They have also lost back-to-back series for the first time this season. Prior to their previous series in El Paso, which they also lost, 4-2, the Dodgers had won five straight series and were 10-1-3 through their first 14 series of 2022.

-Drew Avans hit his PCL-leading seventh triple of the season as he went 3-for-4 with a RBI and run scored. He tied his season-high mark with three hits as he also extended his season-best on-base streak to 23 games. The on-base streak is the longest by an OKC player this season. He has now hit safely in 19 of his last 23 games and has reached base safely in 37 of his last 38 games.

-The Dodgers pitching staff recorded 11 strikeouts Saturday as they have now racked up 11 or more strikeouts in six straight games (81 total K’s). OKC entered Saturday’s game leading all of Triple-A pitching in strikeouts so far in July. Dodgers starting pitcher Andre Jackson (0-6) recorded a season-high eight strikeouts in the loss…On the other hand, the Dodgers’ offense had 12 strikeouts, posting double-digit strikeouts for a second straight game.

-Miguel Vargas finished the game with a hit, walk and RBI as he extended his hitting streak to five games, going 7-for-22. He has now hit safely in 19 of his last 21 games.

-Michael Busch doubled in a third straight game. He now has 23 extra-base hits in his 45 games with OKC (13 doubles, 10 homers).

What’s Next: The Dodgers have both Sunday and Monday off before traveling to open a six-game road series against the Tacoma Rainiers at 9:05 p.m. CT Tuesday at Cheney Stadium. Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.