TOLEDO, Ohio – A five-run seventh inning led the Indianapolis Indians to a 7-3 rain-shortened eight-inning win over the Toledo Mud Hens on Friday night at Fifth Third Field. Antwone Kelly struck out a career-high tying nine across 5.2 innings, logging the fastest pitch of his career at 101.3 mph.
The Mud Hens (24-25) struck first when Detroit’s top prospect Max Clark hit an RBI triple in the first inning. A two-run double from Jace Jung in the sixth inning extended the lead to 3-0 before the Indians (20-29) mounted their comeback.
Indy scored seven unanswered runs across the seventh and eighth innings to secure the win. Five scored in the seventh with Tyler Callihan starting the rally, driving in two with a bases-loaded single off the wall. Ronny Simon beat out an infield single to tie the game, Nick Yorke took an RBI walk for a 4-3 lead and Enmanuel Valdez plated the final run of the inning on a grounder that turned into a double play. Nick Cimillo drove in two more runs in the eighth inning for a 7-3 advantage.
Antwone Kelly was brilliant in his 5.2 innings of work, logging nine punchouts and Isaac Mattson (W, 1-0) relieved him for his first win of the season. Following 5.0 shutout innings from Toledo starter Troy Watson, Zack Lee (L, 0-1), allowed five runs in his Triple-A debut.
Indianapolis and Toledo continue their six-game series on Saturday night at 7:05 PM. RHP Jared Jones (0-1, 3.00) will continue his major league rehab assignment, rejoining Indy to make his second start with the club this season, and fifth start of his current assignment between Single-A Bradenton and Double-A Altoona. RHP Carl Edwards Jr. (1-3, 6.11) will toe the rubber for the Mud Hens.