Tomko Gets Limited Support in 3-1 Loss

OMAHA, Neb. - The Omaha Storm Chasers (11-16) suffered their seventh loss in their last eight games, dropping the series opener with the Oklahoma City RedHawks (16-13) by a score of 3-1 after jumping out to an early 1-0 lead. It was Omaha's sixth fall-from-ahead loss on the year.

The Storm Chasers lost despite a solid outing from starter Brett Tomko, who went seven innings allowing just three runs while striking out five. Tomko allowed a run in the second and worked out of a bases loaded jam to limit the damage, but allowed a solo homer to PCL leader Jon Singleton and a RBI double by Andy Simunic his final inning. Tomko has allowed only six total runs in his 18.0 innings at Werner Park this season, and it was Omaha's third loss of the season when their starter posts a quality start.

Brett Eibner hit a solo homer to lead off the day for the Omaha offense in the first, but the Chasers could not score another time in the game leaving a runner in scoring position in the third through seventh innings. Johnny Giavotella collected three hits on the day to raise his average to .370, which ranks fifth in the PCL. Paulo Orlando had a hit to extend his hitting streak to nine games, his longest stretch in his Triple-A career and the second longest streak for the Chasers this season.

Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain appeared in the first game of his MLB Rehab Assignment in the game, going 0-for-4 as the designated hitter. Eibner had 10 put-outs in the game, one shy of the league record of 11 in a game (equaled by ten players in PCL history).

The Storm Chasers will look to rebound in the second game of the series as they send out LHP John Lamb (0-5, 5.13 ERA), who will face off with RedHawks RHP Bobby Doran (0-1, 7.15 ERA). First pitch on 1180 Zone 2 The Deuce and MiLB.TV is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.