Omaha Pitching Falls Apart, Drop Game 3

Hopefully, the momentum does not shift to Salt Lake with the Pacific Coast League Finals shifting to the home of the Bees. Salt Lake battered the Omaha pitching staff from start to finish to take Game 3, 9-0.

It did not help that the Storm Chasers offense collected just two hits (and committed two errors). Brian Fletcher, the Game 2 hero, doubled in the second (and walked in the fifth). Christian Colon singled to lead off the 4th inning and that was it. Omaha went down in order over the game’s final four innings (and six total).

Justin Marks started and once again struggled in the postseason. In two starts this postseason, Marks has allowed ten runs (eight earned) on 21 hits and four walks over just 9.1 innings. He also allowed four home runs. He struck out eight.

Tonight, he allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits and three walks over 4.2 innings.

It did not get any better for the bullpen. Lefty Everett Teaford (who was not on the divisional series roster) got out of the Marks jam in the fifth. However, he allowed two runs of his own in the sixth on three hits and a walk (all after recording an out). Maikel Cleto entered with runners at second and third base, but got out of the jam.

Spencer Patton only recorded one out in the 7th inning, but allowed three runs on three hits and a walk. Ryan Verdugo, making his first appearance of the postseason, allowed two of those runs to score.

Game 4 will be played on Saturday night with Brian Sanches slated to start for the Storm Chasers. Former Royals minor leaguer Billy Buckner will get the ball for the Bees.