Redbirds Rally as Omaha Offense Struggles

OMAHA, Neb. - In front of the largest crowd of the season at 7,868 and the largest school day crowd in Werner Park history, the Omaha Storm Chasers (8-5) fell to the Memphis Redbirds (5-8) in a Wednesday afternoon game. Omaha was held to their lowest hit total of the season with only four on the day.

The Storm Chasers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third as the two runs came around to score on an error that would have been an inning-ending double play. After that, Omaha could only manage one hit in the final six innings of the day and were retired in order in four of those innings. In the series Omaha has scored all six of their runs in two innings, and have only two hits in the other 15 innings.

Christian Binford (0-2, 4.70 ERA) took the loss in the game, his second in as many starts at Werner Park, as the Royals prospect ran in to trouble after cruising through the first five innings. In the sixth Binford loaded the bases with a single and two walks, part of his career high four free passes on the day, and after he exited the game Buddy Baumann gave up a bases-clearing triple to Greg Garcia. It was one of two multi-RBI triples in the frame, after Omaha had allowed only three triples in their first 12 games combined.

Whit Merrifield extended his hitting streak to seven games on the day, and also scored a run in seventh straight game as well. It was the first loss this season for Omaha by more than three runs, and Omaha is now 0-3 in home games this season when facing a left-handed starter.

The third game of the series will also be "Salute to UNO Hockey Night" with Dominic Zombo and Ryan Massa scheduled to make appearances at the game. First pitch on 1180 Zone 2 The Deuce and MiLB.TV is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.