Binford's Strong Outing Sends Chasers to 8-1 Win

DES MOINES - Christian Binford and the Omaha bullpen combined to keep Iowa's bats quiet, and the Storm Chasers defeated the Cubs 8-1 on Thursday night at Principal Park.

Omaha plated a run in the top of the 2nd, as Jorge Bonifacio, Tony Cruz, and Balbino Fuenmayor collected 3 consecutive singles to give Omaha a 1-0 lead.

The Chasers extended their lead in the 3^rd with a 2-out rally. Whit Merrifield doubled, Hunter Dozier doubled him in, and Jorge Bonifacio also doubled, knocking in Merrifield. Tony Cruz brought Bonifacio home with a single, and the Chasers led 4-0.

Iowa scratched out a run against Christian Binford in the last of the 4^th, on a single by rehabbing Major Leaguer Chris Coghlan and an RBI double by Jeimer Candelario.

That was all that Binford (W, 3-11) would allow in 6 strong innings. Besides the single run, he limited Iowa to just 3 hits and 1 walk, with 3 strikeouts.

Drew Rucinski (L, 6-14) was tagged with the loss, giving up 4 runs on 9 hits in 7 innings, while striking out 3 and walking none.

Andrew Edwards pitched a scoreless 7^th inning for Omaha, and Kevin McCarthy did the same in the 8^th.

Omaha padded their advantage in the top of the 9^th. Ramon Torres singled, went to 2^nd on a groundout, advanced to 3^rd on a single by Orlando Calixte, and scored on a safety squeeze bunt by Rey Fuentes. With Calixte at 3^rd, Whit Merrifield drove him in with a sacrifice fly, making it 6-1 Chasers. After an intentional walk loaded the bases, Fuentes scored on a balk, and Jorge Bonifacio singled to score Hunter Dozier, and it was 8-1.

McCarthy tossed a 2^nd scoreless frame as he closed the game out in the bottom of the 9^th, earning his 6th save and giving Omaha the victory.

The Chasers will continue their series in Iowa tomorrow night. RHP Jake Junis (1-1, 5.63) will throw for Omaha, while Iowa's starter is to be determined. First pitch will be at 7:05.