Omaha falls in Game 2 of PCL Championship Series

Omaha dropped Game 2 in the best-of-five Pacific Coast League Championship series, losing 4-2 in Reno. The series is now tied up.

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

The Storm Chasers out-hit the Aces, 8-4, but six of the eight hits came from the top two men in the order. Leadoff man Whit Merrifield went 4-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Pedro Ciriaco went 2-for-4 and drove in the first run with two outs in the sixth. Paul Janish drove in the second run in the eighth.

It was another rough start for lefty John Lamb, as he lasted just two innings. He pitched a perfect first, but then allowed four runs in the 2nd inning. It all started when he loaded the bases on three walks around two outs. Lamb could not escape, as he allowed a two-run single followed by a two-run double before getting out of the inning.

Clayton Mortensen, who relieved Lamb in the Conference Series, followed and was in trouble in the third (bases loaded and one out). However, he induced a double play to end the inning. He pitched a perfect fourth before getting into trouble in the fifth.

With runners at first and second base and one out, the Storm Chasers made another pitching change, going to Christian Binford. Binford induced an inning ending double play and pitched a perfect sixth. He threw just 13 total pitches.

Lefty Scott Alexander, who did not pitch in the Conference Series, induced three ground outs in the seventh (eight pitches). Andrew Triggs was next in the eighth and an unassisted line drive double play ended the inning (a walk and an error got Triggs into trouble).

The PCL Championship Series now moves to Omaha for the final three games. Game 3 will be played on Friday night at Werner Park with Sugar Ray Marimon listed as the scheduled starter. Andrew Chafin is the listed starter for the Aces. The Storm Chasers are now guaranteed at least two home games.