Week record: 4-2
Overall record: 74-44
Summary
The Storm Chasers took the series last week, outscoring the Louisville Bats 31-19, including shutting out the Bats three times. The pitching and hitting complimented each other well as the pitchers finished 4th in the International League with a 2.62 ERA, and the hitters finished 6th in the league with a .257 batting average. Back-to-back shutouts on Thursday and Friday highlighted the week as the Storm Chasers outscored the Bats 18-0 in those two games. The starting pitching was especially dominant with Noah Cameron (x2), Daniel Lynch IV, Alec Marsh, Dinelson Lamet, and Chandler Champlain holding a 1.89 ERA collectively. The Royals seem to have some good depth pieces with these starters if needed for a playoff push, with Evan Sisk, Steven Cruz, and others also looking good out of the bullpen.
Hitter of the Week
John Rave – 6 for 21, 2 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K
Season Stats: .278/.364/.503, .867 OPS
John Rave has had a career year in 2024. Unfortunately, I think his play has gone under the radar at times. He has a career-high 18 home runs while also holding career highs in nearly every offensive category. His 11.6 BB% and 21.9 K% are also very impressive. As far as his defense, he’s only committed one error on the season and has tallied four outfield assists. I would love for him to get an opportunity in Kansas City, given the weaknesses that still exist in Royals’ outfield, but he would have to be added to the 40-man roster to do so.
Runner-up: Ryan Fitzgerald – 7 for 19, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K
Pitcher of the Week
Noah Cameron – 12.2 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 13 K
Season stats: 1.07 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, .187 OBA, 7.50 K/BB
I’m sure Cameron couldn’t have envisioned a much better start to his career in Omaha. He has posted four straight quality starts since he was promoted to the team on 7/28, allowing one run or less in all four. He’s been mixing in all four of his pitches and seeing good results on each. In his last outing, his fastball velocity was reaching 94-95 MPH consistently, and that increase in velocity was an area of emphasis for Cameron in the offseason. He looks to keep proving that he deserves a shot in Kansas City sooner rather than later.
Runner-up: Dinelson Lamet – 6 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Next up
Aug. 20th-25th @ Buffalo Bisons
Image credit: Nicholas Badders/Omaha Storm Chasers