The Comeback Chasers were at it again but unlike Tuesday night, they finished the job.
The Omaha Storm Chasers rallied from an 8-4 deficit in the 7th Inning and defeated the Columbus Clippers 9-8 in ten innings at Werner Park.
The Clippers struck first once again, building off of last night’s victory. Daniel Schneeman started the scoring withan RBI groundout to second base. Then Jhonkensy Noel blasted a solo homer to center to put the Clippers on top 2-0 after a half inning.
The Chasers mounted their first of two comebacks in their half of the first. John Rave led off with a solo shot to center, his fourth of the season. That was followed up by a two-run blast to left field by Nick Loftin. A few batters later, an error by George Valera allowed Nate Eaton to score from first base. Omaha took a 4-2 lead into the 2nd Inning.
The Clippers struck back with an RBI single from Bryan Lavastida, who then scored on a two-run home run from Jose Tena to put Columbus up 5-4.
Columbus got home runs from Noel, twice, and Lavastida, all of which were solo homers in between innings three and seven to put the Clippers up 8-4. Noel finished 3-5 with three solo home runs. He’s had an electric season for the Guardians AAA team with 12 homers and 32 RBIs through the first two months.
But the Storm Chasers didn’t hear no bell and went to work in the 7th Inning. They loaded the bases on two walks and a single with one out in the 7th. Ryan Fitzgerald was hit by a pitch that scored Nick Pratto. On the next pitch, Cam Devanney lashed a single to center to score CJ Alexander and Nate Eaton. John Rave would finish the comeback with a single to center to score Fitzgerald from second and the Chasers tied the game at eight.
The bullpen came in the clutch from innings 8-10. Evan Sisk tossed a 1-2-3 8th Inning, then Will Klein retired the Clippers in order in the 9th and 10th Innings to set the Storm Chasers up for the win in the Bottom of the 10th.
With Devanney on second, Austin Nola bunted him over to third. John Rave would send him and 2,600 fans home happy with a sacrifice fly to right field to give the Storm Chasers a 9-8 win in ten innings.
Omaha evens the series at one and both teams have scored 16 runs each in two games. If that’s any indication, we’re in for a fun final four games at Werner Park.
NOTES:
– Uncharacteristic outing from starter Jonathan Bowlan. Bowlan went three innings, surrendering six runs on eight hits. First time all season he has allowed 5+ runs in an outing.
– Omaha’s Bullpen Line (Cox, Cruz, Sisk, Klein): 7 IP, 2 ER’s on 2 H’s, BB, 11 K’s
– Evan Sisk and Will Klein retired the Clippers in order in the final three innings. Nails.
– John Rave was fantastic. Rave finished 3-5 with a solo homer and three RBIs, including the game-tying and game-winning runs.
– Nick Loftin has homered in three of his last five games. He’s driven in five runs in that stretch.
– CJ Alexander had another big game, going 3-5 with a run scored. He’s hit every game since being activated from the seven day IL.
NEXT GAME:
Chandler Champlain makes his first start as a Storm Chaser tomorrow night when the Chasers and Clippers face-off in Game 3 at Werner Park. First pitch set for 6:35pm.
