Storm Chasers struggle to get bats going after Game 1, lose series 2-4 – Farm to Fountains

Week record: 2-4

Overall record: 82-54

After a dominant 13-3 win to kick off the series versus the Redbirds, the Storm Chasers’ bats cooled off quickly for the rest of the week. They still managed to finish 12^th in the International League in batting average (.251) but finished 17^th in slugging percentage (.364), and were second to last in extra-base hits. The pitching wasn’t particularly effective either, finishing 8^th in the league with a 4.89 ERA, and were last in strikeouts, amassing only 30 Ks in 46.0 innings pitched. Despite a down week overall, the Storm Chasers have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks as they make their first playoff appearance in a decade starting September 24^th at Werner Park. 

Rodolfo Durán – 5 for 11, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SB

Season Stats: .244/.270/.326, .596 OPS

Durán has quietly added solid catching depth to the Royals’ organization this season. He was signed this past offseason to a minor league contract and has hit the ball very well in NW Arkansas, where he has spent the majority of his season. Don’t let his overall numbers in Omaha fool you, as he still holds a .277/.316/.463 line for 2024 despite his dip in production recently. One thing the Royals’ organization does not lack is catching depth, so it is difficult to project a call-up to Kansas City for Durán in the future. However, he has certainly made the most of his season thus far.

Runner-up: John Rave – 4 for 14, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 SB

Jonathan Bowlan – 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Season stats: 4.68 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .261 OBA, 2.85 K/BB

Bowlan has had an inconsistent year, but has proven to be effective as a reliever at times. He has been called up to Kansas City a few times this season, but has only made one appearance as a starter. His strikeout numbers have been average (8.63 K/9), but that number may increase as he focuses more on his role as a reliever, allowing his fastball that touched 98.9 MPH last week to play better. Last week showed Bowlan’s potential as a dedicated reliever.

Runner-up: Evan Sisk – 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 SV

Sept. 10th-15th vs. Toledo Mud Hens

Image credit: Omaha Storm Chasers