Castellano's grand slam highlights five-run fifth in Omaha win

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Second baseball Angelo Castellano crushed a go-ahead grand slam in the top of the fifth inning to cap a five-run inning, helping the Omaha Storm Chasers vault over the Toledo Mud Hens, 8-5, on Thursday at Fifth Third Field. It was the second straight game with a grand slam for Omaha (44-29) and the third in the last four games.

Trailing, 4-3, entering the top of the fifth inning, first baseman Nick Pratto launched a solo home run over the right-centerfield fence to tie the game. It was Pratto's second home run in as many days and his fourth at the Triple-A level. Then, after Toledo (41-32) right-hander Angel De Jesus (Loss, 3-1) loaded the bases on a single and two walk, Castellano pounced on a 1-1 pitch to clear the bases and put Omaha in front, 8-4.

Toledo got a run back in the fifth on leadoff double by Renato Nuñez and an RBI single from Aderlin Rodriguez, but failed to score against right-hander Jake Newberry, right-hander Jace Vines (Win, 5-3) and right-hander Joel Payamps (Save, 2) over the final three innings.

The Mud Hens scored first, plating a run against right-hander Jackson Kowar in the second inning when Jacob Robson drew a one-out walk, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by Juan Centeno.

The Chasers promptly took the lead in the top of the third inning, scoring three runs on three hits. After right-fielder Edward Olivares doubled and moved to third on a fielder's choice, he scored on an infield single by designated hitter Ryan McBroom. Then, after centerfield Kyle Isbel drew a walk to load the bases, catcher Nick Dini pummeled a two-run double off the left-field wall to give Omaha the lead.

Toledo came right back with three runs in the bottom of the third. Kody Clemens led off with a double and score on an RBI single by Nuñez, who later scored on a two-run homer by Aderlin Rodriguez to help give the Mud Hens a 4-3 lead prior to Omaha's five-run fifth.

Kowar allowed four runs on five hits in 4.0 innings while striking out eight and walking four.

The Storm Chasers continue their six-game series against the Toledo Mud Hens on Friday at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, Ohio, when left-hander Marcelo Martinez (1-3, 5.04) faces right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. (4-0, 2.25). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT and coverage begins at 5:45 p.m. CT with the Sarpy County Tourism Pregame Show on 1180 The Zone.

After a two-week road trip with series against Toledo and Columbus, the Storm Chasers return to Werner Park for a two-week homestand from August 10-22 featuring six games against the Iowa Cubs and six game against the Columbus Clippers. 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.