Week record: 2-1
Overall record: 2-1
Summary
It was a positive opening weekend for the Storm Chasers, who won two extra-inning games in walk-off fashion. The first game of the season was won on a passed ball in the bottom of the 11th inning, and the second was won on a sac fly by Mike Brosseau in the bottom of the 10th inning. The final game of the series ended in a 2-0 loss. Despite just a three-game sample size, there were many takeaways and things to keep an eye on heading into the next series.
Reliever Dominance
Omaha’s starters have held their own, but the brightest spot has been the bullpen. Through 17 IP, Storm Chasers’ relievers have a 2.65 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and held opponents to a sub-.200 batting average. On top of that, they have managed to strike out 22 batters while only walking 8. This is especially encouraging considering the struggles that the Royals’ relievers had in their opening series. It looks like there are very capable arms ready to step in when they get the call.
Daniel Lynch IV & John McMillon
Two pitchers that many of us thought had a chance to make the opening-day roster did not fare well over the weekend. Lynch IV started opening night and gave up 9 hits and 4 runs over 5 innings pitched. McMillon is still trying to build back from the forearm strain that ended his season early last year. It looks like he still may have a ways to go, as his four-seamer averaged 93 MPH on Saturday according to Preston Farr on “X”, a sharp dip from the upper 90s we were used to seeing last season. This surely contributed to his rough outing, where he gave up four runs while only managing to secure one out. Both pitchers will look to bounce back this week and build toward an opportunity to get back to the majors.
Hitter of the Week
Nick Pratto: 5 for 12, 2 2B, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 SB
Season Stats: .417/.500/.583, 1.083 OPS
Runner-up: CJ Alexander – 4 for 14, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 0 BB, 3 K
Pitcher of the Week
Walter Pennington: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Season Stats: 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, .111 Opp Avg, 5.0 K/BB
Runner-up: Dan Altavilla – 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Next up
April 2nd-7th @ Columbus Clippers
Image Credit: Minda Haas Kuhlman, Omaha Storm Chasers