Omaha drops Game 2 to Memphis

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth, Omaha could not at least score the tying run, as they lost to Memphis, 4-3. The best-of-five series, now evened up at 1-1, moves to Memphis for the final three games beginning Friday night.

Whit Merrifield during 2014 spring training against the SD Padres (Jen Nevius).

Whit Merrifield, who homered with two outs in the seventh to tie the game, was walked intentionally with one out in the ninth. Brian Bocock struck out for the second out to bring up Paulo Orlando, who already had three hits in the game. Orlando grounded out to end the game.

The Redbirds retook the lead in the top of the ninth against reliever Clayton Mortensen. With one out, Mortensen allowed a single. On a stolen base, catcher Brett Hayes‘ throw went for an error, allowing the go ahead run to reach third base. A wild pitch scored the run.

Mortensen took the loss, despite allowing just that unearned run on just one hit over five innings. He struck out eight. He provided solid relief behind Storm Chasers starter John Lamb, who allowed three runs on five hits and three walks over just four innings. He allowed a two-run home run in the first inning.

The Storm Chasers collected ten hits, two by Hayes.

Newly promoted to Triple-A Sugar Ray Marimon is Friday night’s listed starter for Omaha. He will match up against Memphis’ Justin Wright. Wright pitched a scoreless inning of relief in Game 1. The listed starters are via MiLB.com.