Chasers Stop Skid with Comeback Win

Win snaps six-game losing streak, eight-game road losing streak

By Andrew Mitchell

May 1, 2014

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Omaha Storm Chasers (11-15) erased a 6-2 deficit in an 8-6 win over the Iowa Cubs (15-10), their largest comeback win of the season, snapping their six-game losing streak in Game 2 of the Doubleheader at Principal Park. Omaha also snapped their eight-game road losing streak, which was tied for the longest in their Pacific Coast League history.

After tying the game at 2-2 in the third, Omaha starter P.J. Walters let in four runs with two outs to build a 6-2 I-Cubs lead. The Storm Chasers responded in the next half inning with three runs in the fourth including a RBI single by Christian Colon, tying him with Brett Eibner for the team lead at 13 RBI. The Chasers took the lead two innings later on back-to-back run-scoring hits in the sixth by Colon and Johnny Giavotella, giving each a team-leading eighth multi-hit game on the season.

While the Omaha offense charged back, relievers Justin Marks and Spencer Patton allowed only one hit and two walks combined over the final 4.1 innings. Patton worked his third multiple-inning save for his team-leading fourth on the year, and has converted on all of his opportunities in 2014. Marks has allowed only one run in his last 8.0 innings as a reliever (four games), while Patton has allowed only a run in his last 6.1 innings (five games).

The Storm Chasers had lost seven straight games at Principal Park and had only one win in their previous 12 games in Des Moines before today's win. Seven of Omaha's 11 wins this season have come in come-from-behind fashion. Omaha avoided losing all games of a roadtrip of seven or more contests for the first time since May 2-9 during the 2000 season at New Orleans and Oklahoma City.

The Storm Chasers return home for a four-game set with new division rival Oklahoma City, who was last season's first round playoff opponent. RHP Brett Tomko (1-2, 6.52 ERA) gets the start for Omaha and will face off with RedHawks RHP David Martinez (3-2, 3.75 ERA), with first pitch on 1180 Zone 2 The Deuce and MiLB.TV scheduled for 7:05 p.m.