Omaha Storm Chasers open season against Mother Nature and Colorado Springs

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Jonathan Dziedzic throws the first pitch of the 2018 season, Omaha's 50th as a minor league team.
Jonathan Dziedzic throws the first pitch of the 2018 season, Omaha’s 50th as a minor league team.

Mother Nature threw a curveball, but The Omaha Storm Chasers had their own game plan to ensure their 50th season opened as planned. Facing a five-game series against defending divisional champion Colorado Springs, Omaha managed to play a doubleheader to open the 2018 season. The teams plan another twinbill Saturday to deal with inclement weather.

While Omaha overcame the weather conditions, the Chasers couldn’t stir up their own storm against Colorado Springs as they dropped both games 3-1 and 4-0 Thursday. Omaha led most of the first game, holding the Sky Sox scoreless for five innings, while Hunter Dozier’s solo homerun in the bottom of the third inning gave the Chasers a 1-0 lead. Dozier went 2-3 at the plate, including getting the Chasers’ first hit of the 50th season, a two-out double in the bottom of the first inning.

Frank Schwindel reaches first base on an error.
Frank Schwindel reaches first base on an error.

Jonathan Dziedzic opened strong on the mound, scattering five hits and walking one while striking out four batters. Dziedzic enjoyed a strong April last season before injuries sidelined him.

The Walking Tourists are teaming with the Omaha Storm Chasers to help celebrate the team’s 50th anniversary in 2018. We will be providing a variety of stories throughout the season. As always, all views and opinions are ours.

The Sky Sox belted two home runs in the top of the sixth to take the lead, before Keon Broxton finished a 4-for-4 night at the plate, sending a solo home run out of the park in the top of the seventh for the Sox’ third run. Kevin McCarthy, who pitched the sixth inning, took the loss for Omaha.

Double header

Colorado Springs struck quickly in the night cap, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning en route to a 4-0 shutout. Ramon Torres led Omaha with two hits. Trevor Oaks took the loss for the Chasers, giving up seven hits in 4.1 innings.

About 2,000 fans braved the chill to cheer on the Chasers. As temperatures continued to drop once the sun set, fans stayed for the first game. It will be good to see larger crowds once winter gives way to spring.

As has become a personal baseball tradition, it’s not a baseball game until I enjoy a hot dog.  This time out, I ordered a Chicago Dawg, which features relish, tomato and peppers. It’s baseball season!

A Chicago Dawg hot dog
Ah, a Chicago Dawg to kick off the season.

While the Chasers were swept to open the season, this team has the players to bounce back and I’m sure we’ll be seeing some wins coming up soon. The teams play a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 2:05 p.m. CT and plan to complete the five-game series with an 11:05 a.m. contest Monday.

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