PCL1 Omaha Storm Chasers

More Separation in Race to Division Title

August 17, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release


Memphis, TN - Brian Fletcher singled in the game-winning run in the seventh inning as Omaha sprinted out to an early lead, fell behind and then rallied to defeat Memphis, 5-4, Saturday night in the second meeting of a critical five-game set. The Storm Chasers improved to 64-64 and stretched their lead over Memphis in the American Conference North Division to a season-best four games with 16 to go in the regular season. Omaha has won four of five in Memphis and now trails 7-6 in the season series.

The Storm Chasers scored in the first inning for a second straight night when Johnny Giavotella walked with two outs, went to second base on a Ben Broussard single and scored on a base hit by Fletcher, who knocked in his 11th Triple-A run. Pedro Ciriaco started the second inning with a rare walk and scored when Adron Chambers misplayed a Manny Pina liner into a two-base error. Gorkys Hernandez followed with a base hit that plated Pina to push the lead to 3-0 against Eric Fornataro, who lasted two innings in a spot start while replacing the scheduled starter Carlos Martinez, who was placed "on hold" by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Meanwhile, Brian Sanches, who found out earlier in the day that he was starting when Everett Teaford was put "on hold" by the Kansas City Royals, was very efficient, throwing only 55 pitches to finish his five shutout frames. He allowed two hits, walked one, struck out three and did not allow a runner to advance past first base. Donnie Joseph took over in the sixth after a one hour and 39 minute rain delay and battled his control mightily, walking the bases loaded and uncorking a wild pitch that allowed the first Redbirds run to score. Buddy Baumann was brought on with the sacks filled and one out and let loose a wild pitch with his first offering that permitted another run to score to bring the hosts within 3-2. Chambers then drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly before Jermaine Curtis looped a single, the only hit of the frame, to drive in Brock Peterson with the go-ahead run.

However, the Memphis lead didn't last very long at all, as the visitors took advantage of two Michael Blazek free passes in the next half inning to forge the game-changing uprising. Irving Falu walked to start the rally, stole second base, remained there when Giavotella walked and scored to tie the game on a Broussard base hit. Fletcher then followed with his decisive hit that lifted the Chasers record to 33-32 on the road. Baumann worked a scoreless seventh to pick up the win and gave way to former Redbirds right-hander Maikel Cleto, who stranded a pair of runners in the eighth. Michael Mariot closed the door in the ninth to record his ninth save.

The series continues Sunday evening with Kansas City right-hander Felipe Paulino making a rehabilitation start against a Memphis starter to be determined. Coverage of the game gets underway at 5:45 pm and can be heard locally on 1180 Zone 2 The Deuce and online at omahastormchasers.com.

Check out the Omaha Storm Chasers Statistics



Pacific Coast League Stories from August 17, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central