IL Omaha Storm Chasers

Chasers Drop Third Straight with Extra-Inning Loss to Clippers

Published on August 19, 2021 under International League (IL)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release


PAPILLION, Neb. - Catcher MJ Melendez smacked a three-run, game-tying home run in the fifth inning but the Omaha Storm Chasers ultimately fell in 10 innings, 7-5, to the Columbus Clippers on Wednesday at Werner Park.

With the game tied, 4-4, in the 10th inning, Columbus (41-48) scored three runs on three hits and a bases-loaded walk. Nolan Jones broke the tie with an RBI double to left-center against right-hander Jace Vines (Loss, 5-4) before scoring on back-to-back singles by Andruw Monasterio and Gavin Collins. Vines exited after walking Alex Call to load the bases and handed the ball to right-hander Ándres Núñez, who issued a bases-loaded walk to Trenton Brooks to force in the third run of the inning.

Omaha (49-41) scored one run in the bottom of the 10th on an RBI single by Melendez, but could not complete a comeback against right-hander Jordan Stephens (Win, 2-0). It was the Chasers' third consecutive loss and third extra-inning loss of the season.

The Clippers took the lead in the second inning against left-hander Foster Griffin, who made his first start for Omaha this season. After Jones started the inning with a single, Griffin hit Richie Palacios and issued a walk to Gavin Collins to load the bases. Next, Connor Marabell hit into a run-scoring fielder's choice. Griffin walked the next two batters to force in a run.

Left-fielder Dairon Blanco cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the second inning, blasting a solo home run to deep left field in his first Triple-A at-bat. Blanco, who made his Triple-A debut on Wednesday, finished the game 1-for-3 with a home run and a walk.

Columbus added a pair in the top of the fourth on a two-run homer by Gabriel Arias before Melendez knotted the score in the bottom o the fifth. With first baseman Nick Pratto and designated hitter Ryan McBroom on base, Melendez lifted the first pitch he saw from left-hander Logan Allen over the left-field fence for his third Triple-A home run. It was his 31st total home run this season, tying him for the most in Minor League Baseball.

Melendez finished the game 2-for-4 with a home run, walk, and four RBIs.

The Storm Chasers continue a six-game series with the Columbus Clippers on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 and coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. CT with the Sarpy County Tourism Pregame Show on 1180 The Zone.

For tickets and more information, please visit omahastormchasers.com, call the Werner Park Ticket Office at (402) 738-5100 and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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International League Stories from August 19, 2021


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