PCL1 Omaha Storm Chasers

Trio of Former Royals Help Trappers Sweep

Published on June 8, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release


OMAHA – A trio of former Omaha players helped the Edmonton Trappers sweep a double header from the Royals Sunday afternoon at Rosenblatt Stadium. Luis Ortiz, Joe Vitiello and Anthony Medrano played a big part in Edmonton's 3-1 win in the opener and 9-2 triumph in game two.

Ortiz went 4-for-4 with five RBI in the second game. The Edmonton DH belted a solo home run in the first inning and doubled and scored in the fourth facing Royals righthander Jason Turman, who was making his second spot start of the season. Turman gave up those two runs over the first four innings, but was taken off the hook for a loss when Mike Kelly smacked a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth off Britt Reames (3-6).

However, with two outs in the top of the fifth, the Trappers put together a four-run rally off Shawn Sedlacek (1-8), with Medrano scoring on a wild pitch and Ortiz and Vitiello contributing RBI singles, as did Matt Cepicky. Ortiz capped his big game and the scoring in the sixth with a two-out, three-run double off Jeremy Hill. Ortiz joins Oklahoma's Ryan Ludwick as the two opposing batters to drive in five runs in a game against the Royals this season.

In the opener, Vitiello's second home run of the season, leading off the second inning against Ryan Baerlocher (2-1), put Edmonton on top 1-0. The Trappers scored two insurance runs off Baerlocher in the sixth on a run-scoring triple by Medrano and a sacrifice fly from Ortiz. Edmonton starter Scott Downs (6-3) scattered seven hits, allowing just one run, over six-and-a-third innings to get the win. Hansel Izquierdo walked two batters in the seventh, but also recorded two outs, for his first save.

Edmonton (29-30) took the series 3-1 and has won six of its last eight. Omaha (29-35) finishes the home stand 3-5, losing five of the last six games. The Royals have been swept in all three double headers they have played at home this season and stand 9-23 at Rosenblatt. With a 20-12 road record, the Royals now venture out on the road for a 16-game trip out west. Omaha opens a four-game series at Las Vegas Monday night: RH Mike Fyhrie (1-1, 4.15) vs. RH Scott Winchester (1-4, 6.04). Air time is 8:50 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio 1490 and www.Oroyals.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 8, 2003


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