Omaha Loses, Wilmington Wins Their Game 2 Playoff Games

Omaha lost Game 2 of the Pacific Coast League divisional series to Albuquerque, 5-3. It was a tough loss for the Storm Chasers, as they led until the 7th inning.

The Storm Chasers led 3-0 early, capped by a Max Ramirez two-run homerun in the 2nd inning. In the 6th inning, the Isotopes got two of those runs back against Omaha starter Ryan Verdugo. Trent Oeltjen delivered a two out, two-run triple. After issuing a one out walk with a man on base, Verdugo was lifted for Juan Gutierrez. He immediately gave up back-to-back singles to score two runs and give the Isotopes the lead.

It was a rough game for Omaha second baseman Rey Navarro. Two throwing errors late in the game cost them a run and made things interesting.

Game 3 will move the series to Albuquerque on Friday night. Nate Adcock will get the start for the Storm Chasers.

One night after collecting just three hits, Wilmington‘s offense busted out in a big way (hopefully they have some runs left in them for tomorrow night). The Blue Rocks pounded Lynchburg, 12-3 to force a decisive Game 3 on Friday night for the Northern Division title in the Carolina League (and a spot in the championship). The Blue Rocks collected 18 hits.

All of that offense made a winner of Jason Adam, who allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks over seven-plus innings. He gave up an unearned run in the bottom of the first inning (it was his errant pickoff throw). Big league rehabber Andrelton Simmons singled to lead off, went to second base on the error, moved to third base on a sac bunt, and scored on a ground out.

The Blue Rocks came back with a four-spot in the top of the 3rd inning, capped by a three-run homerun from Matt Fields. They never looked back. Six of the starters had multi-hit games, with Lane Adams, Cheslor Cuthbert, and Geulin Beltre having three-hit games.

Game 3 will be in Lynchburg on Friday night with Leondy Perez on the mound for Wilmington against the Hillcats’ Aaron Northcraft. The winner heads to either Winston-Salem or Myrtle Beach (The Dash also forced a Game 3) to begin the Carolina League championship on Saturday. The loser begins their offseason.