Lyons Cruises Past Chasers in Complete Game
OMAHA, Neb. - The Omaha Storm Chasers (56-53) were limited to four hits in a 4-1 loss, their lowest hit total in a game since May 5, as Tyler Lyons spun a complete game for the Memphis Redbirds (57-52). The game was completed in two hours and 14 minutes, tied for the shortest time of game in Werner Park history.
The Redbirds were held to two hits in the first four innings by Omaha starter Aaron Brooks, but exploded for four runs off five hits in the fifth inning including a bases-loaded double by Pete Kozma that plated two runs. Brooks had allowed only two runs in his first two starts against Memphis (13.2 innings), and the Storm Chasers have lost two straight starts by the right-hander at Werner Park after winning the first seven home outings by Brooks this season.
Omaha responded in the bottom of the frame with a sac fly by Justin Maxwell but were held to only one hit the rest of the way by Lyons, who allowed only four hits in his fourth career complete game in the Pacific Coast League. Lyons was the first pitcher to toss a nine-inning complete game against Omaha since Iowa's Chris Rusin pulled off the feat on June 17, 2013 at Principal Park. Matt Fields scored the only run for Omaha after collecting his team-leading 25th double and PCL-leading 18th extra-base hit of July.
Whit Merrifield went 0-for-4 on the day snapping his 25-game on-base streak, which was the longest on-base streak for Omaha this season and longest active streak in the PCL. Omaha had won all three series openers against the Redbirds this season, and six openers overall dating back to May of 2013.
Omaha has a 5-7 record at Werner Park in July, which is worse than their 7-7 record in road games. In the second game of the series the Chasers will send out LHP John Lamb (5-8, 3.80 ERA) to face off with Redbirds RHP Zach Petrick (6-4, 4.52 ERA), with first pitch on 1180 Zone 2 The Deuce and MiLB.TV scheduled for 7:05 p.m.