Week record: 5-1

Overall record: 19-11

Summary

The Storm Chasers now sit alone atop the International League West division. A five-game win streak will do that for you. The offense was hot, averaging 6.5 runs per game this week, while the pitching held its own, giving up only 3.2 earned runs per game. They ranked 5^th in the International League in batting average this week and 4^th in ERA. It was a week where the team truly performed well in all facets. The starting pitching has been one of the weaker areas of the team but had an outstanding week, giving up only 4 ER in 25 IP (1.44 ERA). There is some serious positive momentum heading into the next series.

Starting pitching has its way

As I mentioned above, the starting pitching had an incredible week. It was easily its best week of the season, seeing dominant starts nearly across the board. Jonathan Bowlan, Alec Marsh, and Zach Davies pitched at least four scoreless innings, allowing three hits or less. Luis Cessa also had an impressive start, pitching five innings and allowing only one run. Daniel Lynch IV pitched four innings, allowing only one run (and then threw five shutout innings only four days later for the Royals). Lynch will likely be back down to join the starting rotation this week, while Marsh replaces him in Kansas City. It was a positive sign to see Davies, Cessa, and Lynch bounce back this week after a rough start to the season.

Offensive prowess

The Storm Chasers can’t stop hitting. The trio of Devin Mann, Drew Waters, and Nick Pratto led the way this week, combining for a slash line of .407/.473/.754 with a 1.227 OPS. It’s a welcome sight if you have been watching the major league squad struggle to get much offense going as of late. It seems like some of these bats deserve a shot in Kansas City this season, and I’m eager to see who gets the opportunity. It will most likely be someone who can play corner outfield, as that is the weakest area for the Royals.

International League Rankings

Here are some updated season rankings as of May 6^th (the International League consists of 20 teams).

Hitting

Batting average: 4^th

On-base percentage: 5^th

Slugging percentage: 3^rd

On-base plus slugging: 3^rd

Home runs: 8^th

Runs batted in: 5^th

Strikeouts: 12^th

Walks: 12^th

Stolen bases: 8^th

Pitching

Earned run average: 3^rd

Walks and hits per inning pitched: 8^th

Opponents’ batting average: 7^th

Home runs allowed: 1^st (least)

Strikeouts: 17^th

Walks: 9^th

Starters’ ERA: 7^th

Relievers’ ERA: 6^th

Hitter of the Week

Devin Mann – 7 for 15, 3 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K

Season Stats: .301/.420/.493, .913 OPS

Mann also earned International League Player of the Week honors.

Runner-up: Nick Pratto: 8 for 22, 1 3B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 7 K, 2 SB

Pitcher of the Week

Alec Marsh: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

Season Stats: 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, .077 OBA, 6.0 K/BB

Runner-up: Zach Davies – 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Next up

May 7^th – May 12^th vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Image credit: Nishant Brahme/Omaha Storm Chasers