Strong starts lead Chasers to doubleheader sweep

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Right-hander Jackson Kowar and right-hander Eddie Butler combined to allow one run across 10.1 innings in their starts in Saturday's doubleheader, with Kowar leading the Omaha Storm Chasers to a 2-1 win in Game 1 and Butler guiding the Chasers to a 4-3 win over the Indianapolis Indians in Game 2. It was the first doubleheader sweep of the season for Omaha. With the wins, Omaha (40-23) has clinched at least a series tie with Indianapolis (31-32).

GAME 1

Kowar (Win, 6-2) struck out eight batters in 5.0 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit after the first inning and retiring the final seven batters he faced.

The Indians threatened in the first inning, putting runners on second and third with one out before Kowar struck out back-to-back batters to end the inning. He threw 34 pitches in the first inning (21 strikes), but threw 53 pitches over his final four innings while facing one over the minimum. It was Kowar's fifth start with Omaha this season with at least eight strikeouts.

Omaha took the lead in the second inning against left-hander Steven Brault (Loss, 0-1) when first baseman Ryan McBroom blasted a solo home run to left. It was McBroom's 18th home run of the season. The Chasers added a run in the sixth on a solo home run from right-fielder Anderson Miller, his 11th of the season.

Indianapolis scored one run in the top of the sixth when Bligh Madris doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly, but went down in order against Tyler Zuber (Save, 3) in the bottom of the seventh.

GAME 2

Butler (Win, 4-1) loaded the bases with zero outs in the first inning, ultimately allowing one run on a sacrifice fly before retiring the side. The right-hander allowed just three hits over the next 4.1 innings, completing a season-best 5.1 innings while striking out four and walking one.

Omaha took the lead with four runs in the fourth inning. With runners on first and second and zero outs, Miller launched a three-run homer over the right-center field fence to put the Chasers in front, 3-1. It was Miller's second home run of the day and his 12th of the season. Right-fielder Edward Olivares later tripled in the inning and scored on a wild pitch by right-hander Beau Sulser (Loss, 4-3).

The Indians made it a one-run game in the bottom of the seventh, scoring twice against right-hander Dylan Coleman. Dee Strange-Gordon singled home T.J. Rivera from second with two outs and later scored on a wild pitch. Two batters later, with runners on first and third and two outs, right-hander Grant Gavin (Save, 1) entered the game and threw one pitch to retire Christian Bethancourt on a flyout to centerfield to end the game.

The Storm Chasers finish their series against the Indianapolis Indians on Sunday at Victory Field in Indianapolis, Ind., when left-hander Marcelo Martinez (1-3, 5.40) faces Indianapolis right-hander Mitch Keller (1-0, 1.80). First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. CT and coverage begins at 12:15 p.m. CT with the Sarpy County Tourism Pregame Show on 1180 The Zone.

After the series against the Indianapolis Indians, the Storm Chasers return to Werner Park for a six-game series against the St. Paul Saints that features a Bubba Starling "Bubba Fett" bobblehead giveaway—presented by Fairfield Inn & Suites—to the first 1,500 fans on Friday, July 23 and the rescheduled FNBO Independence Fireworks Show following Friday’s game. For tickets and more information, please visit omahastormchasers.com, call the Werner Park Ticket Office at (402) 738-5100 and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.