INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians struck out a season-high-tying 16 batters and out-hit the Louisville Bats, 8-6, but the Bats posted a three-run ninth inning to secure the first game of the series, 6-3, on Tuesday night at Victory Field.
Duce Gourson gave the Indians (28-18, 59-62) a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, dropping a ball in front of the left fielder for an RBI double. Louisville (16-30, 55-64) responded immediately, as former Indians outfielder Michael Chavis led off the second inning with a solo shot to tie the contest, 1-1.
The two clubs were quiet until the fourth, when P.J. Higgins hit a two-RBI single off Brandon Neeck (L, 2-2) to extend Louisville’s lead, 3-1. Indy handed the ball to Cy Nielson for the last out of the frame, and he blanked the Bats with 2.1 scoreless relief innings, striking out five and allowing just one hit.
Back-to-back doubles by Jack Brannigan and Joshua Palacios brought Indianapolis within one run in the bottom of the sixth, 3-2.
In the top of the ninth, right-hander Evan Sisk got Will Benson to pop out, but allowed the next three batters to reach base. With the bases loaded, Leo Balcazar unleashed his first Triple-A triple to bring all three runners home and make it a 6-2 ballgame.
Nick Cimillo cut the deficit in half, 6-3, with a one-out RBI double in the bottom of the ninth. Bats’ Hunter Parks struck out the final two batters to cut Indianapolis’ rally short. Johnathan Harmon (W, 1-1) pitched three innings in relief and took the win.
The Indians and the Bats continue their six-game series on Wednesday night at 6:35 PM. RHP Jared Lyons (1-4, 5.06) is projected to start for Louisville against Indianapolis’ RHP Thomas Harrington (1-6, 6.00).