IL Omaha Storm Chasers

Omaha Falls Short in Walk-Off Loss to Iowa

Published on June 25, 2021 under International League (IL)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release


DES MOINES, IA. -- Second baseman Erick Mejia hit his first home run of the season and left-hander Marcelo Martinez allowed just one run in five innings, but the Omaha Storm Chasers lost, 4-3, to the Iowa Cubs on Friday at Principal Park on a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning.

With the game tied, 3-3, Iowa (16-27) loaded the bases against Omaha right-hander Jake Newberry (Loss, 0-1) on a strikeout-wild pitch, single, and intentional walk. Then, Erick Castillo hit a 2-2 pitch into shallow right-center field to bring in Nick Martini and end the game. It was Omaha's first walk-off loss of the season.

The Chasers scored the game's first runs in the second inning, when Mejia launched a two-run shot off of right-hander Cory Abbott over the right-center field fence. It was Omaha's 90th home run of the season in 45 games.

The I-Cubs got a run back in the bottom of the second against Martinez, when Martini hit a solo homer over the right field fence. The home run was one of two hits Martinez allowed in 5.0 innings. After yielding a career-high eight runs on nine hits in his Triple-A debut, Martinez held Iowa to one run on two hits in 5.0 innings with six strikeouts and one walk.

Omaha added a run in the third. After centerfielder Kyle Isbel reached on an infield single with two outs, third baseman Emmanuel Rivera punched a double to the wall in left field to extend the Chasers lead to 3-1.

Iowa tied the game in the sixth with two runs on two hits, two walks, and a wild pitch. With runners on first and second, Taylor Gushue singled off the left-field fence to bring in Dee Strange-Gordon and cut Omaha's lead to one. Next, right-hander Grant Gavin threw a wild pitch that allowed Michael Hermosillo to score from third and tie the game.

The I-Cubs bullpen kept the Chasers off the scoreboard, combining to allow just one hit in 4.0 innings, capped by 1.2 innings from right-hander Ben Leeper (Win, 1-0).

The Storm Chasers continue their series with the I-Cubs on Saturday, when left-hander Daniel Lynch (1-3, 4.84) faces Iowa right-hander Joe Biagini (1-2, 4.50). First pitch is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. and coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. with the Sarpy County Tourism Pregame Show at 6:45 p.m. on 1180 The Zone.

Following a two-week road trip to Iowa and St. Paul, the Omaha Storm Chasers return to Werner Park on Tuesday, July 6, to begin a six-game series against the Toledo Mun Hens that features special FNBO Summer Fireworks Series shows on July 8 and July 10 and an Adalberto Mondesi bobblehead giveaway on July 9. 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 June 25, 2021


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