Omaha rides three-run first past Baby Cakes

Glenn Sparkman struck out eight batters in seven scoreless frames, and the Omana Storm Chasers rode a three-run first inning to a 3-0 shutout of the New Orleans Baby Cakes on Friday night.

Sparkman (5-1) scattered six hits and combined with two relievers on Omaha’s 14th shutout of the season, most in the Pacific Coast League. Sparkman’s eight strikeouts equaled his season high as he faced three batters over the minimum.

Josh Staumont walked a pair in the eighth and threw a wild pitch to put runners at second and third with one out. Staumont struck out Lewis Brinson, and the Storm Chasers brought in Richard Lovelady, who induced an inning-ending grounder from Isan Diaz.

Lovelady struck out the side in the ninth to record his fifth save.

Omaha gave Sparkman all the run support he needed in the first inning, when Paulo Orlando laced a two-run double into the left field corner and scored on a double by Humberto Arteaga.

Those were the only blemishes against Zac Gallen, who settled in to notch a quality start with three runs and seven hits allowed in six innings. Gallen (8-9) walked one and set a season high with nine strikeouts.

Each team’s pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts in the game.

The Baby Cakes continue their final series of the season on Saturday at 6 p.m.