Chasers Ground the Sky Sox and Win, 6-1

Mitch Maier homers for the second straight game to power Omaha to a win

By Tony Bibler

August 7, 2012

OMAHA, Neb. - The Omaha Storm Chasers snapped their four-game losing streak with a 6-1 victory over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox on Tuesday night. Mitch Maier hit a two-run homer while David Lough drove in two of his own to help propel Omaha to victory. With the victory, the Chasers' shrink their magic number to clinch their second-consecutive division crown to 12 games.

Ryan Verdugo (9-3) started for the Storm Chasers (69-49) and pitched excellently as he held the Sox (62-56) to one run over six hits in 7 innings while striking out five. Donnie Joseph pitched the final two innings in relief of Verdugo and allowed just one hit while punching out a trio.

Colorado Springs carved out their only run in the game in the second on a sacrifice fly. Omaha retaliated in the home half of the second when Anthony Seratelli was plunked by a pitch to set up Maier for is two-run bomb.

The Storm Chasers added three insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth as Irving Falu doubled up the middle and scored on a Johnny Giavotella RBI single. Wil Myers then singled to push Gio to second who then scored on a single laced to right-center field by Clint Robinson. A Max Ramirez single juiced the bases and set the table for a sac fly by Lough to extend the Chasers' advantage to 5-1.

Myers singled again to begin the eighth and was pushed to second after a walk by Robinson. Myers then darted to third when Ramirez rolled over on a pitch and grounded into a double play and was brought in on a single by Lough. Seratelli grounded out to end the inning.

Joseph and the Storm Chasers held the Sky Sox off of the scoreboard in the ninth to snag their 69th win of the year.

Omaha and Colorado Springs will do battle one more time at Werner Park on Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. Head out to Werner Park for a great day game and half-price burgers presented by Omaha Steaks. Wednesday's game will also showcase bingo for seniors. Be sure to tune in locally on the radio at 1180 The Zone 2 - The Deuce and online at omahastormchasers.com to listen to your Omaha Storm Chasers in action.