Gilliam Walks-Off Omaha, Bats win 4-3

LOUISVILLE, KY – Isiah Gilliam hit his first career Triple-A walk-off hit, launching a three-run home run to lead the Louisville Bats (48-65) 4-3 over the Omaha Storm Chasers (52-60) on Wednesday night at Louisville Slugger Field.

[Box Score]

Omaha jumped out in front for the second straight night, scoring a run in the opening frame of the game. With the bases loaded, Louisville outfielder Ronnie Dawson made a leaping catch at the left field wall to record the second out of the inning and limit the potential damage to just a run.

The Bats threatened in the next half inning after Lorenzo Cedrola led off with a single and a steal of second base to get into scoring position with no outs. Cedrola would go no further though and the threat would come to pass.

After giving up a run on 33 pitches in the first inning, Louisville starter Brandon Williamson (1-4, 3.62) locked in, only allowing a single hit before retiring the final 13 batters he faced in order. Williamson finished with three strikeouts and three walks on 88 pitches in a six-inning effort.

Louisville finally tallied a run in the bottom of the eighth. Cedrola led off the inning after getting hit by a pitch followed by back-to-back singles by Spencer Steer and Cristian Santana to load the bases with no outs. With one out in the inning, Stuart Fairchild sent hit a sacrifice fly deep enough to score Cedrola from third to tie the game 1-1.

In the top of the ninth, Bats closer Fernando Cruz gave up a go-ahead two-run home run to give the Storm Chasers a 3-1 lead.

Louisville would not go down quietly, kicking off the home half of the ninth with back-to-back singles from Ronnie Dawson and Eric Yang. With no outs in the inning, Isiah Gilliam stepped up to the plate and launched a no-doubt, 440 ft. walk-off bomb over the left field wall to give the Bats a 4-3 win over Omaha.

The Bats and Storm Chasers will continue their six-game series with game three scheduled for tomorrow night. First pitch is set for 6:35 pm E.T. with southpaw Justin Nicolino (3-4, 5.61) taking the hill for Louisville, facing off against fellow lefty Drew Parrish (3-6, 5.26) on the mound for Omaha.