Poldberg earns 1,350th career win in series opener against Indianapolis

PAPILLION, Neb. -- The Omaha Storm Chasers came from behind to defeat the Indianapolis Indians, 4-3, on Wednesday at Werner Park, giving manager Brian Poldberg his 1,350th career win and his 475th win in seven seasons as Omaha's manager.

Poldberg ranks sixth among active minor league managers with 1,350 wins. He is second in wins in Omaha franchise history, trailing only Mike Jirschele, who won 995 games in 14 seasons.

Omaha (67-54, 1-0) scored first, plating a run in the second inning on a lights-aided double by right-fielder Erick Mejia. Mejia hit a high fly ball to left-center field that centerfielder Jared Oliva lost in the lights, resulting in an double that brought in second baseman Gabriel Cancel.

Indianapolis (57-63, 0-1) tied the game in the third inning on a solo home run by Oneil Cruz, who made his Triple-A debut.

Left-hander Marcelo Martinez, who recorded his team-best fifth quality start of the season and completed 6.0+ innings for the third straight start, allowed one run over his 6.0 innings. Martinez struck out four and walked none, and now has 20 strikeouts and zero walks over his last three starts.

The Storm Chasers retook the lead in the sixth, when Cancel blasted a solo home run against right-hander Matt Eckelman. It was Cancel's first home run since returning from the Injured List. Indianapolis leapt ahead with a two-run homer in the top of the seventh by Christian Bethancourt against right-hander Chance Adams, who made his Omaha debut. Right-hander Carlos Sanabria (Win, 2-0) recorded the final out of the seventh before pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning.

Omaha battled back, tying the game and ultimately taking the lead in the bottom of the seventh against right-hander Shea Spitzbarth (Loss, 3-3). After left-fielder Dairon Blanco walked and centerfielder Lucius Fox singled, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. singled to left to drive in the game-tying run. Two batters later, third baseman Emmanuel Rivera drove a go-ahead sacrifice fly to centerfield.

Right-hander Grant Gavin (Save, 3) faced the minimum in the ninth to secure the win.

The Storm Chasers continue the Triple-A Final Stretch on Wednesday with the second game of a five-game series against the Indianapolis Indians (PIT) at Werner Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. CT with the Sarpy County Tourism Pregame Show on 1180 The Zone.

For tickets and more information, visit omahastormchasers.com or call the Werner Park Ticket Office at (402) 738-5100 and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.