Royals Minor League report: May 3

Omaha Storm Chasers (12-11)

Omaha 4, Colorado Springs 2
WP: Aaron Brooks (2-2)
SV: Louis Coleman (2)
HR: Whit Merrifield (2)

Omaha and Colorado Springs played to a 4-2 final for a second straight day, with the Storm Chasers coming out on top. Aaron Brooks had his best start of the year, fanning eight with no walks while allowing just one run over 7.0 innings. Whit Merrifield extended his career-long hitting streak to 17 games, going 2-for-3 with a two run home run. Jose Martinez added two hits and an RBI. The Storm Chasers return home tonight, facing Round Rock (Rangers).

NW Arkansas Naturals (14-9)

NW Arkansas 12, Tulsa 3
WP: Jonathan Dziedzic (1-1)
HR: Jorge Bonifacio (5), Balbino Fuenmayor (3)

The Naturals rolled to an eighth straight win, tying a franchise record from 2010. Northwest Arkansas set season highs with 12 runs and 18 hits. Balbino Fuenmayor led the way, going 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, five RBI and three runs. The four-hit game was his second in three days as he raised his average to .363, sixth in the Texas League. Angel Franco doubled twice, finishing with three hits and two runs. Bubba Starling was 2-for-4 plus an RBI, a run, a walk and his first Double-A stolen base. Jonathan Dziedzic worked 6.0 scoreless innings for his first Double-A win.

Wilmington Blue Rocks (12-11)

Wilmington 4, Winston-Salem 1
WP: Alec Mills (1-1)
SV: Estarlin Cordero (1)
HR: None

Wilmington built an early 4-0 lead, moving to 2-1 in a four-game set. Zane Evans led the offense, going 4-for-4 with three doubles and two RBI. Frank Schwindel added an RBI double and two runs. Alec Mills (5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 SO) earned the win. Benino Pruneda and Estarlin Cordero added 2.0 scoreless innings apiece.

Lexington Legends (9-15)

Lexington 6, Asheville 3
WP: Kevin McCarthy (1-1)
SV: Matthew Strahm (2)
HR: Brandon Downes (3)

The Legends improved to 2-1 in a four-game series. Brandon Downes followed a two-homer night on Saturday with three hits and two RBI, including a solo homer. Ryan O'Hearn went 3-for-4 plus an RBI and a run. Kevin McCarthy won in relief of Matt Tenuta, who had to exit after being hit by a batted ball. McCarthy held Asheville to an unearned run and three hits with two strikeouts over 3.2 innings.