Storm Chasers Breeze By I-Cubs in Season Finale

PAPILLION, NE - The Omaha Storm Chasers (69-72) came away with a 7-3 win over the Iowa Cubs (67-72) in the final game of the season, Monday at Werner Park. The loss dropped Iowa to a fourth-place finish in the American North Division.

Omaha got out to a 4-0 lead in the first and never trailed as five-straight batters reached with two outs. Frank Schwindel, Garin Cecchini and Ruben Sosa all collected RBI in the inning.
Iowa was held off until the sixth when Jemile Weeks opened the inning with a double. Chris Dominguez pushed runners to first and second with a walk before Stephen Bruno hit a ground-rule double to bring in the I-Cubs first run.
Taking advantage of a leadoff single off the bat of Cecchini, Omaha added another run in the sixth. The Storm Chasers extended their advantage to 7-1 with a run in both the seventh and eighth innings, putting the cap on their offensive effort.  
Consecutive singles from Ozzie Martinez and Bruno opened the ninth and ignited an I-Cubs rally. The runners moved up on a Chesny Young groundout, and came home with a two-RBI single from Ali Solis. The comeback fell short as the next two batters were retired in order.
Williams Pérez (7-10) spun six innings, allowing five earned runs on six hits and three walks to take the loss. Arnaldo Hernandez (1-0) captured the win.
Iowa puts the 2017 season in the books. Opening Day in 2018 is scheduled for April 5 against Oklahoma City at Principal Park.