IL Omaha Storm Chasers

Porter and Reetz Homer in Blowout at Victory Field

Published on April 1, 2023 under International League (IL)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release


INDIANAPOLIS, IND. - After coming from behind to take the season opener, the Omaha Storm Chasers scored in six of nine innings Saturday afternoon to beat the Indianapolis Indians 12-1 and secure a series win at Victory Field.

All nine Storm Chasers hitters in the starting lineup scored a run and reached base at least once, while eight of nine recorded hits with five multi-hit performances.

Center fielder Samad Taylor continued where he left off from Friday night, opening the scoring with a sacrifice fly, then shortstop Maikel Garcia followed behind him with an RBI single to give Omaha a 2-0 lead.

Logan Porter continued the scoring in the third inning as he deposited the first Storm Chasers home run of the season onto the left field berm, a 417-foot solo shot that put Omaha further, 3-0.

Garcia scored Taylor on a double to open the fifth, then designated hitter Jakson Reetz doubled the score to 8-0 with a grand slam to left field, a 408-foot homer that blew the game open.

Nick Pratto and Tyler Gentry each drove in runs in the sixth inning to put Omaha up 10-0, then Reetz added an RBI single in the eighth inning and Garcia brought home another run with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning.

Across the first two games, Garcia has gone 3-for-9 (.333) at the plate and driven in a team-best six runs.

As strong as he offense was, the Storm Chasers pitching staff was nearly as dominant. Starting pitcher Austin Cox struck out 5 over 3.0 scoreless frames and was followed by left-hander Drew Parrish (1-0), who threw 3.0 hitless and scoreless frames.

After recording just one hit in the first six innings, Indianapolis hitters struck for a run on three hits in the seventh against Omaha lefty Josh Taylor, but the combined effort from Nick Wittgren and Ryan Weiss ended the afternoon with a scoreless inning each.

To top the afternoon off, Omaha's infield turned five double plays, including in each of the last four innings of the game to keep Indianapolis from mounting a rally.

Winners of two straight to open the season, the Storm Chasers will look to sweep Indianapolis Sunday afternoon with a 12:35 p.m. CT / 1:35 p.m. ET local first pitch from Victory Field, with right-hander Jonathan Heasley headed to the mound as the Omaha starter.

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International League Stories from April 1, 2023


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