Chasers club five homers in series-opening win over Louisville

PAPILLION, Neb. -- The Omaha Storm Chasers pounded out 11 runs on 14 hits—including five home runs—to pound the Louisville Bats, 11-5, to begin the six-game series at Werner Park on Tuesday.

Omaha (26-10) started the scoring in the bottom of the first inning against Louisville (12-24) right-hander Bo Takahashi (Loss, 1-3). Following a single from third baseman Emmanuel Rivera and a double from right fielder Ryan O'Hearn, first baseman Ryan McBroom lofted a sacrifice fly to right field to bring in the first run of the game. Next, designated hitter Meibrys Viloria laced an RBI triple to right-center to give the Chasers an early 2-0 lead.

Left-hander Daniel Lynch (Win, 3-1) started the game with two scoreless innings before allowing a run in the third, giving up a leadoff double to TJ Friedl and an RBI single to Errol Robinson, for his only run allowed of the game. Lynch pitched 5.2 innings, a new season high in a start, allowing one run on six hits with three strikeouts and one walk.

The Chasers added two runs in the third on a line drive homer by O'Hearn, his 11th home run of the season and sixth in the last week. O'Hearn, the reigning Triple-A East Player of the Week, finished the game 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, and three RBIs.

Omaha tacked on in the fourth on a solo home run by shortstop Alcides Escobar before adding four runs in the fifth. After a Rivera single, O'Hearn RBI double, and a pitching chance, Viloria lofted a two-run homer over the left-field fence to give the Chasers a 10-1 lead. Escobar added his second home run of the game to cap the scoring in the fifth.

After the Bats put a run across on two hits and a sacrifice fly in the seventh, the Chasers increased their lead with two more runs in the eighth on a two-run homer by Rivera. He finished the game 4-for-4 with four runs scored, a home run, and a walk, reaching base five time in five plate appearances.

Louisville scored three runs in the ninth against right-hander Domingo Tapia on a solo home run by Chris Okey and an RBI double by Alejo Lopez before Tapia induced a game-ending fielder's choice groundout.

Former Omaha infielder Mike Moustakas made a rehab appearance for Louisville, going 1-for-3.

The Storm Chasers continue their six-game series with Louisville on Wednesday, when right-hander Eddie Butler (2-0, 1.50) faces left-hander Reiver Sanmartin (0-1, 4.60). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and coverage begins with the Sarpy County Tourism Pregame Show at 6:45 p.m. on1180 The Zone.

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.