Big innings doom Mud Hens in 18-4 loss at Omaha Storm Chasers

PAPILLION, Neb. — The Toledo Mud Hens surrendered a pair of three-run home runs in the middle innings and fell 18-4 to the Omaha Storm Chasers on Saturday at Werner Park.

The Mud Hens (42-49) never led at any point and twice saw one-run deficits balloon on one-out blasts by the Storm Chasers, who eventually put the game away with an eight-run seventh inning.

Cam Devanney’s home run off Toledo starter Bryan Sammons gave Omaha a 5-1 lead, capping a four-run fourth inning. Drew Waters’ three-run blast pushed the Storm Chasers ahead 10-4 in the sixth inning, ending another four-run burst.

Omaha’s Nelson Velazquez (three doubles) and Tyler Gentry each were 3 for 4 with two RBIs, while John Rave (2 for 4) added a two-run triple in the seventh inning.

Sammons took the loss, allowing six runs in 4⅓ innings on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts.

Offensively for the Mud Hens, Jace Jung was 2 for 3 with an RBI single in the fifth inning. Justice Bigbie later followed up with a two-run single, pulling Toledo within 5-4.

Omaha reliever John McMillon got the win in 1⅓ innings of shutout relief. He allowed two walks and one hit.

The teams will play the series finale at 6:05 p.m. Sunday. Matt Manning (2-4, 5.03) will start for Toledo against Daniel Lynch IV (6-0, 4.14).

Omaha has already won four games to one to clinch a series win.