Week record: 2-1
Overall record: 14-10
Summary
The Storm Chasers had a solid first half of the week, taking two of three from the Indianapolis Indians. They even gave the No. 3 prospect in all of minor league baseball, Paul Skenes, his toughest task to date. He had yet to give up a run this year until facing the Storm Chasers, who tagged him for one earned run and five hits over 4.1 innings pitched. They ultimately lost the game, but it was still encouraging to see their lineup perform adequately against arguably the toughest starting pitcher in the minors. Omaha finished their week on a somber note, having their final three games postponed due to the devasting weather that tore through the area. These events are much bigger than baseball, and our thoughts are with those who were impacted.
The bats stay hot
The Storm Chasers stayed true to the offensive prowess they have shown so far this season. They continue to rank in the top 8 of the International League in nearly every offensive category and saw standout performances from many hitters this past week, albeit in a smaller-than-usual sample size. Nick Loftin has provided a boost to the Omaha lineup, slashing .429/.467/.500 in three games this week; Nate Eaton slashed .364/.462/.455 in three games; and CJ Alexander slashed .556/.556/.889 in two games. It was also encouraging to see Tyler Gentry have a good week, going 3 for 5 with 2 BBs in the two games he played. The offense continues to help the Storm Chasers win games while the starting rotation is sorting out some of their struggles.
Will Klein and Jonathan Bowlan get promoted
Two of Omaha’s best pitchers to start the season earned a promotion to the big-league squad this week. Will Klein was called up in response to Alec Marsh’s injury and made his Major League debut yesterday, pitching one clean inning with two strikeouts. He adds some velocity to the Royals’ bullpen that they’ve been lacking. Jonathan Bowlan will be making the start for Kansas City tonight in Toronto, marking his first true start in the major leagues. With the Bowlan promotion made official today, Klein was optioned back to Omaha. I believe Klein will be back in Kansas City soon as he continues to prove he belongs there.
Hitter of the Week
CJ Alexander – 5 for 9, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K
Season Stats: .301/.341/.590, 931 OPS
Runner-up: Nick Loftin: 6 for 14, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SB
Pitcher of the Week
Walter Pennington: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Season Stats: 1.53 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, .145 OBA, 8.0 K/BB
Runner-up: Evan Sisk – 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Next up
April 30th – May 5th @ Iowa Cubs
Image credit: Omaha Storm Chasers