LOCAL BRIEF

After sweeping host Iowa in their previous Pacific Coast League series, the Memphis Redbirds are two-fifths on the other end of that domination against visiting Omaha.

The Storm Chasers scored twice early and added an insurance run late to escape AutoZone Park Thursday night with a 3-0 victory.

Memphis (53-34) and Omaha finished the contest with seven hits apiece, yet the Storm Chasers (40-45) proved to be more timely at the plate. Paulo Orlando, who served as Wednesday night’s hero in a 12-inning win, connected on a tworun homer in the second inning. Cam Gallagher added an RBI single in the seventh. Wilfredo Tovar led the Redbirds with two hits. Jake Woodford (0-2) took the loss on the mound.

In the good-news department, outfielder Randy Arozarena and pitcher Dakota Hudson were chosen Friday to represent Memphis in the 2018 All-Star Futures Game. It will be played July 15 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Hudson (12-2) was one of three Redbirds selected for Wednesday’s Triple-A All-Star Game.

Pitcher Daniel Poncedeleon, who drew the start in Friday night’s game, and third baseman Patrick Wisdom will also be in Columbus to face the International League All-Stars.

On Friday, Wisdom was named one of the three participants in the Triple-A Home Run Derby. That event, along with the Skills Challenge, is scheduled for Monday.

The Omaha series continues Saturday at 6:35 p.m. and wraps up Sunday at 2:05 p.m.

Chris Van Tuyl