The Omaha Storm Chasers kicked off their 2024 season in dramatic fashion, rallying from a four-run deficit to defeat the Iowa Cubs 5-4 in 11 innings on a walk-off passed ball at Werner Park.
After Iowa built a 4-0 lead against Storm Chasers starter Daniel Lynch IV, who allowed nine hits over five innings, the Omaha bullpen took over and shut down the Cubs offense. Dan Altavilla, Walter Pennington, Will Klein, Sam Long, and Steven Cruz combined for six scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out eight.
The Storm Chasers’ bats came alive in the sixth inning when CJ Alexander launched a three-run homer off the Iowa bullpen to bring Omaha within one run. Alexander came through again in the eighth, driving in Nick Pratto with a single to tie the game at 4-4 and eventually force extra innings.
In the bottom of the 11th, with placed runner Cam Devanney on third base, a passed ball allowed Devanney to sprint home with the winning run, sending the Opening Night crowd into a frenzy.
“This was an incredible way to start the season,” said Storm Chasers manager Mike Jirschele. “Our bullpen was outstanding, and the guys never quit battling at the plate. CJ [Alexander] had some huge hits for us, and we took advantage of their mistake at the end. It’s a great feeling to get a walk-off win on Opening Night.”
The Storm Chasers will look to carry the momentum from their thrilling victory into the rest of the series against Iowa, with game two set for Saturday at 2:05 p.m. at Werner Park. Right-hander Anthony Veneziano is scheduled to take the mound for Omaha.
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