Omaha takes Game 1 of American Division Series

Omaha opened the Pacific Coast League’s American Division Series with a 7-0 win at Werner Park over Memphis.

May 31, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Aaron Brooks delivers a pitch against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Storm Chasers used equal amounts power and the arm of starter Aaron Brooks to come out victorious.

Omaha took the 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first as Brian Bocock tripled with one out and scored on Paulo Orlando‘s single. Cheslor Cuthbert hit a solo home run in the fourth (one of his two hits).

Matt Fields broke the game open with a two out, three-run homer in the fifth. In the 7th inning, Whit Merrifield added some insurance with a two-run shot.

All of that offense was more than enough for Brooks, who pitched eight scoreless innings. He retired the final eight men he faced. Brooks allowed five hits, did not walk a batter, and struck out ten. Tim Collins pitched a perfect ninth (ten pitches).

The two teams continue their series on Thursday night in Omaha, as John Lamb gets the start for the Storm Chasers against Redbirds starter Zach Petrick.

*In roster news, the Storm Chasers added three more to their roster: pitchers Kyle Zimmer and Sugar Ray Marimon, and outfielder Jorge Bonifacio. Bonifacio went 2-for-2 with two runs scored.