Cuthbert Leads Omaha Hit Parade

OMAHA, Neb. - Cheslor Cuthbert blasted a decisive three-run homer in the sixth as the Omaha Storm Chasers (9-5) racked up a season high 16 hits in 6-5 win over the Memphis Redbirds (5-9). Omaha had 15 hits in the last three games combined before tonight's win.

Cuthbert was a triple shy of the cycle in the game, and was one of three Storm Chasers to collect three hits (Whit Merrifield, Moises Sierra). He entered with only one hit in 19 at-bats at Werner Park, but now has seven RBI on the season (six RBI coming on his three homers), which is tied for second most on the team. After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, Omaha battled back with a RBI by Merrifield in the second and back-to-back RBI singles with the bases loaded by Francisco Pena and Jose Martinez.

John Lamb, who was making his 2015 debut, did not factor in the decision but settled down after allowing the three spot in the first. Lamb retired 12 of his final 15 batters faced before he was lifted in the fifth, giving way to Brian Broderick and Luke Hochevar who allowed only two baserunners in the next 3.1 innings. Memphis rallied in the ninth with a two-out, two-RBI double by Rafael Ortega, but Joe Paterson came on and retired the final batter to earn his second save in the series.

Whit Merrifield extended his hitting streak to eight games in the win, the longest hitting streak thus far for Omaha, but saw his streak of seven straight games with a run scored snapped. The Storm Chasers have yet to lose back-to-back games this season, and the win was their first against a left-hander at home in 2015.

In the series and homestand finale tomorrow, RHP Clayton Mortensen (2-0, 0.82 ERA) will face off with Redbirds LHP John Gast (0-2, 11.42 ERA). First pitch on 1180 Zone 2 The Deuce and MiLB.TV is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.