Three Hits, Three Runs Bury Indy In Series Opener

PAPILLION, NEB. – Each of the Omaha Storm Chasers three hits drove in runs on Tuesday night as they bested the Indianapolis Indians in the series opener, 3-1. It was the first time the two teams had faced each other since the 1997 season.

The Indians ended the 1997 season with a nine-game winning streak over the then-Omaha Royals during the American Association era. The last time Omaha took a season-series opener between the two teams was April 13, 1995 when it swept a doubleheader.

The Storm Chasers (11-7) began the scoring in the fourth inning when Kyle Isbel walked to leadoff the frame and stole two consecutive bases. Omaha’s first hit of the day, a single by Ryan McBroom, drove in Isbel with one out.

Back-to-back singles to begin the fifth inning set up an opportunity for Indianapolis (11-7). With no outs and both runners in scoring position following a wild pitch, T.J. Rivera drove in Troy Stokes Jr. with a sacrifice fly to tie the game. The Indians stranded Joe Hudson on third base to end the inning.

Home runs in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings by Gabriel Cancel and Isbel gave Omaha the lead and an insurance run for the win.

Chad Kuhl made his second rehab start with Indianapolis and went 3.1 innings with one hit, one run, two walks and four strikeouts. Matt Eckelman (L, 0-2) entered in relief and allowed both Storm Chasers home runs.

Daniel Lynch (W, 1-1) tossed 5.2 innings and surrendered one run on five hits. Anthony Swarzak (S, 1) anchored Omaha’s bullpen for the night.

The Indians entered this series with a one-game lead in the Triple-A East Midwest division over the Storm Chasers. With the loss to Omaha, the two are now tied atop the division leaderboard.

The six-game series continues tomorrow night in another 7:35 PM ET start at Werner Park. RHP Miguel Yajure (1-1, 1.50) takes the mound to try and continue his stretch of stellar outings against RHP Scott Blewett (0-1, 6.08).