Storm Chasers go into all-star break on a high note – Farm to Fountains

Week record: 5-1

Overall record: 59-32

Things finally started clicking again for the Storm Chasers last week, as they posted their first winning week in a month. They belted a league-high 14 home runs and scored 14 more runs than the next closest team. Their .279 team average ranked 4^th in the International League, and their 52 RBIs ranked 1^st by a gigantic margin, with 2^nd place at 35 RBIs. On the other hand, their pitching had a much rougher time, holding a 5.83 ERA as a team, good for 18^th in the league. It mattered little, however, with the Mud Hens holding an 8.08 ERA as a team as the Omaha bats were in full control throughout the week. The highlight of the week was the 18-run, 17-hit win on Saturday. The Storm Chasers now have a 10-8 record in the second half.

The Storm Chasers saw a handful of strong performances at the dish and on the mound this week. Drew Waters was just awarded International League Player of the Week after a scorching hot week at the plate (and some incredible defensive plays that you can find on the Omaha Storm Chasers’ “X” account). On the week, he slashed .429/.500/.1.048 with a 1.548 OPS, 4 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, and 3 BB. When Drew Waters is raking, he is RAKING. MJ Melendez suffered a left ankle sprain on Sunday, so it will be interesting to see if the Royals need to make any moves after the All-Star break. Waters would be a potential call-up, and so would Nelson Velázquez who has also been hitting the ball well in Omaha. Last week, Velázquez slashed .278/.391/.611 with a 1.002 OPS, 3 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 BB, and 2 K.

Tyler Gentry continues to see his season numbers climb, coming off a week in which he went 9 for 17 with a home run. After an incredibly slow start to the season, Gentry’s average has climbed up to .236 with a .328 OBP. On the mound, Daniel Lynch was very impressive, proving once again that he is very comfortable at the Triple-A level. His numbers over two starts: 11.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 11 K. That’ll play. Jonathan Bowlan and Evan Sisk also had solid outings this week, combining to throw 8.2 scoreless innings.

Drew Waters – 9 for 21, 4 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 3 BB, 5 K

Season Stats: .273/.359/.498, .857 OPS

Named International League Player of the Week

Runner-up: Tyler Gentry: 9 for 17, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K

Daniel Lynch 1V – 11.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 11 K

Season Stats: 3.89 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, .268 OBA, 2.78 K/BB

Runner-up: Jonathan Bowlan – 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

July 19^th-21^st vs. Indianapolis Indians

Image credit: Nicholas Badders/Omaha Storm Chasers