By: Liam Hoffmann
ROCHESTER, NY-- Tonight, the Rochester Red Wings and Omaha Storm Chasers couldn't decide a winner with nine innings of play. No less, neither side even managed a single run before the game went to a tenth inning. Innovative Field had not seen a 0-0 scoreboard at the start of extra innings since August 21, 2023 when Rochester hosted the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Tonight, Omaha prevailed and took down the Red Wings for the first time this season with a final score of 1-0.
Omaha grabbed the first lead of the game in the top of the tenth inning. Automatic runner Drew Waters reached third on second baseman Nick Loftin's groundout. Then, right fielder Tyler Gentry delivered a fielder's choice toward third baseman Brady House with Waters on the run for home. House's toss to home was too high for catcher Drew Millas and Waters scored.
In Rochester's attempt to answer with their own score, Omaha's effective closer Carlos Hernández took down the Red Wing batters in order. He produced looking strikeouts of Millas and pinch hitter José Tena.
"When we allowed that run to score...I knew that we could be in trouble because our bats weren't going," Red Wings manager Matt LeCroy said.
"Situationally, we had a chance to win, we just didn't get it done in our situational offense," LeCroy said.
Starting pitcher Andrew Alvarez turned in his longest career Triple-A start throwing 5.2 scoreless innings for the Red Wings. He allowed four hits and struck out four batters. Alvarez retired eight straight batters from the third out of the third inning to Omaha third baseman Ryan Fitzgerald's sixth inning single.
Alvarez was asked what was working for him from the mound tonight.
"A lot of first pitch strikes, winning one-ones, and the defense playing outstanding behind me making a bunch of great plays, kept the ball on the ground," Alvarez said.
"He had a really good mix," LeCroy said. "He moved to both sides of the plate, he landed his breaking balls and his changeup, so that's a positive outing for him."
The bullpen for Rochester produced 3.1 shutout innings prior to the tenth. Orlando Ribalta and Rico Garcia combined for zero hits allowed and three strikeouts.
The Red Wings got their first hit in the bottom of the fourth. Left fielder Darren Baker singled then had a scoring chance with the next batter Andrés Chaparro's double. However, the throw from left fielder Nate Eaton was on time to home and catcher Austin Nola tagged Baker out to keep the scoreboard clean.
Chaparro was acquired via trade by the Wasington Nationals on Tuesday in exchange for pitcher Dylan Floro. Chaparro entered Friday leading all of Minor League Baseball with 124 hits and his .334 batting average was good for the second best among all Triple-A hitters.
LeCroy was questioned what he expects to see from the newcomer.
"I'm expecting what he did against us last year in Scranton: to hit," LeCroy. "That's why they traded for him. He's got a chance to go to the big leagues as well, but while he's down there, he can help us win some games."
Rochester's next quality shot at runs was in the seventh where they put two runners in scoring position to no result. Designated hitter Joey Meneses led off the frame with a single. Two batters later, Millas connected on a double but Meneses was held up at third. But, Rochester's three other seventh inning hitters each went out on strikes.
Despite the loss, Rochester still holds a 3-1 advantage in this series. Tomorrow, the two sides will tee off again. Brad Lord (2-0, 3.82) is probable to start for the Red Wings and the Storm Chasers are expected to give Dinelson Lamet (0-0, 5.40) the nod.
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