Chasers drop series opener to Mud Hens after six-run inning
TOLEDO, Ohio -- Centerfielder Edward Olivares and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. hit back-to-back home runs to give the Omaha Storm Chasers the lead in the top of the third inning, but the Toledo Mud Hens struck for six runs in the bottom of the third in an eventual 9-3 loss
TOLEDO, Ohio -- Centerfielder Edward Olivares and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. hit back-to-back home runs to give the Omaha Storm Chasers the lead in the top of the third inning, but the Toledo Mud Hens struck for six runs in the bottom of the third in an eventual 9-3 loss for Omaha on Tuesday at Fifth Third Field.
Toledo (41-30) scored first, taking an early 1-0 lead on a solo home run by Kody Clemens against Omaha (42-29) right-hander Brandon Barker (Loss, 0-1).
Omaha jumped in front on Olivares' and Witt Jr.'s home runs against right-hander Ricardo Pinto (Win, 6-1). It was Olivares' 12th home run of the season and Witt Jr.'s third in seven games since being called up to the Triple-A level.
The Mud Hens began the bottom of the third inning with a leadoff triple and RBI groundout to tie the game before the next six batters all reached with five of them scoring. With the bases loaded and one out, and Toledo leading, 3-2, Christin Stewart hit a first-pitch grand slam to cap the scoring in the inning.
Toledo added a run in the fourth, when Jacob Robson walked and later scored on an RBI triple by Clemens.
Omaha scored its final run in the sixth, when Olivares and Witt Jr. hit back-to-back doubles. Olivares and Witt Jr. accounted for four of the team's five hits, with each finishing the game 2-for-4. Designated hitter Nick Pratto had the team's other hit to extend his on-base streak to seven games.
The Mud Hens' final run came in the eighth when Cole Peterson singled, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a sacrifice fly.
The Storm Chasers continue their six-game series against the Toledo Mud Hens on Wednesday at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, Ohio, when right-hander Eddie Butler (4-1, 4.50) faces Toledo right-hander Drew Hutchison (7-3, 3.48). 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.