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| Lance Zawadzki drove in the only run for the Storm Chasers. (Photo: Dennis Hubbard) |
The sixth inning was the key for the Express. With the Chasers leading 1-0, O’Sullivan gave up an RBI double to Express first baseman Brad Nelson and a sacrifice fly to Matt Kata, giving the Express a 2-1 lead and they didn't look back.
Second place Memphis is losing to Oklahoma City 7-0 in the fifth inning as of this writing. If that score holds up, the Chasers will maintain their four game lead over the Redbirds in the PCL American North.
O’Sullivan only gave up two runs on seven hits and one walk, striking out five. And with one exception, he showed good command of his breaking pitches.
“O’Sullivan pitched great,” said interim manager Tommy Gregg. “He left that one changeup up to Nelson (in the sixth inning) that cost him a little bit, but other than that, he pitched a great game.”
But Gregg also had good things to say about Hurley.
“Hurley was pretty good today – just kept us off balance,” Gregg said. “We chased a lot of pitches down out of the zone, but we had some chances.”
One of those chances came in Omaha's half of the sixth inning after Johnny Giavotella torched a ball down the left field line for a double to lead things off. David Lough moved him to third on a fly ball to center field. And Lorenzo Cain drew a walk, putting runners at first and third with one out, but Clint Robinson popped out to short and Kila Ka’aihue flew out to center to end the threat.
The Robinson at bat was still on Gregg’s mind after the game.
“In that situation, it was 3-2 and it was probably ball four, but we just weren’t patient,” Gregg said. “In those situations, you’ve got to be patient. You can’t try to make something happen. You’ve got to get a good pitch.”
Johnny Giavotella extended his hitting streak to 12 games, going 2-for-4, and raised his average in July to .403, .342 overall. David Lough, who was 10-for-his-last 22 coming into the game, went 1-for-4. Robinson, who was just 3-for-his-last-21 coming into action, was 2-for-4.
The Chasers scored their run in the fifth inning on a single by Lance Zawadzki to right field. Robinson scored on the play.
Dyson was removed from the game after the sixth inning for precautionary reasons.
“He ran into the wall yesterday,” Gregg said. “His hip was a little sore. He came in before the game and said he would see how it feels and try to go.”
The Chasers and Express will conclude their series tomorrow afternoon at Werner Park at 12:05 pm. Vin Mazzaro (5-0, 4.70) will go to the mound of Omaha. He will go up against RHP Ryan Tucker (1-2, 5.15).
