Week record: 5-1
Overall record: 59-32
Summary
Things finally started clicking again for the Storm Chasers last week, as they posted their first winning week in a month. They belted a league-high 14 home runs and scored 14 more runs than the next closest team. Their .279 team average ranked 4th in the International League, and their 52 RBIs ranked 1st by a gigantic margin, with 2nd place at 35 RBIs. On the other hand, their pitching had a much rougher time, holding a 5.83 ERA as a team, good for 18th in the league. It mattered little, however, with the Mud Hens holding an 8.08 ERA as a team as the Omaha bats were in full control throughout the week. The highlight of the week was the 18-run, 17-hit win on Saturday. The Storm Chasers now have a 10-8 record in the second half.
Strong performances across the board
The Storm Chasers saw a handful of strong performances at the dish and on the mound this week. Drew Waters was just awarded International League Player of the Week after a scorching hot week at the plate (and some incredible defensive plays that you can find on the Omaha Storm Chasers’ “X” account). On the week, he slashed .429/.500/.1.048 with a 1.548 OPS, 4 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, and 3 BB. When Drew Waters is raking, he is RAKING. MJ Melendez suffered a left ankle sprain on Sunday, so it will be interesting to see if the Royals need to make any moves after the All-Star break. Waters would be a potential call-up, and so would Nelson Velázquez who has also been hitting the ball well in Omaha. Last week, Velázquez slashed .278/.391/.611 with a 1.002 OPS, 3 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 BB, and 2 K.
Tyler Gentry continues to see his season numbers climb, coming off a week in which he went 9 for 17 with a home run. After an incredibly slow start to the season, Gentry’s average has climbed up to .236 with a .328 OBP. On the mound, Daniel Lynch was very impressive, proving once again that he is very comfortable at the Triple-A level. His numbers over two starts: 11.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 11 K. That’ll play. Jonathan Bowlan and Evan Sisk also had solid outings this week, combining to throw 8.2 scoreless innings.
Hitter of the Week
Drew Waters – 9 for 21, 4 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 3 BB, 5 K
Season Stats: .273/.359/.498, .857 OPS
Named International League Player of the Week
Runner-up: Tyler Gentry: 9 for 17, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K
Pitcher of the Week
Daniel Lynch 1V – 11.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 11 K
Season Stats: 3.89 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, .268 OBA, 2.78 K/BB
Runner-up: Jonathan Bowlan – 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Next up
July 19th-21st vs. Indianapolis Indians
Image credit: Nicholas Badders/Omaha Storm Chasers