Four-Run Fourth Sinks Memphis In Opener, 4-2

PAPILLION, Nebr. - A four-run rally and six strong innings from starting pitcher Joe Blanton gave the Omaha Storm Chasers a 4-2 win over the Memphis Redbirds on Tuesday night at Werner Park.

The Redbirds (4-8) rallied for two runs in the ninth, but stranded the bases loaded for their fifth loss in their last six games.

Redbirds starting pitcher Zach Petrick (0-2) was perfect in five of his six innings pitched, but surrendered four runs in the fourth to come away with the loss. Whit Merrifield began by tripling and scoring on a Reymond Fuentes RBI hit to right. Later in the inning with two outs, Casey Kotchman lined a two-run double to right, followed by a Matt Fields RBI single.

Memphis sent eight to the plate to score both runs and rally in the ninth. Third baseman Scott Moore greeted Michael Mariot's first pitch of the frame for his first homer of the season. Two batters later, Greg Garcia doubled and later scored on an Ed Easley base hit, combined with an Omaha fielding error.

Later in the ninth with the bases juiced, Omaha reliever Joe Paterson entered the game and retired Ty Kelly and Cody Stanley in order for his first save of the season.

Petrick surrendered all five hits for four runs in the fourth. He also struck out three and walked none.

Omaha failed to have a baserunner in any other inning throughout the night, as pitchers Tyler Waldron and Dean Kiekhefer followed with perfect frames in relief.

Blanton (2-1) struck out six while scattering four hits over six scoreless for the win.

The Redbirds and Storm Chasers continue their series with an 11:05 am Wednesday morning matinee at Werner Park. Left-hander Tim Cooney (1-1, 4.38) will toe the rubber against Omaha righty Christian Binford (0-1, 4.50).