LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Indianapolis Indians scored five runs in the eighth inning, but were unable to complete their third come-from-behind victory this week falling, 8-7, to the Louisville Bats on Sunday afternoon. Entering the eighth inning trailing, 8-2, Indianapolis (21-12, 52-56) batted around and used a five-run inning, capped off by a Joshua Palacios two-RBI single, to cut into the Louisville lead. Indians outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez led the offense on Sunday going 2-for-4 with a home run in the series finale.
The Bats (11-22, 50-56) jumped in front in the third inning when Héctor Rodríguez launched a two-run homer to center field. Michael Toglia followed with a shot to center field for back-to-back home runs and a 3-0 lead.
Rodríguez’s 448-foot rocket to center field in the fourth inning cut the deficit to 3-1 and was the second homer by Rodríguez in his debut series for the Indians after being acquired from the Orioles on Wednesday.
Louisville tacked on an additional four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning highlighted by a Dominic Pitelli single, a Francisco Urbaez line-drive double and a Héctor Rodríguez double to right field to extend the Louisville lead, 7-1.
Nick Dombkowski (L, 4-5) started on the mound for the Indians, and struck out seven in his 3.0 innings. He was followed by Mike Clevinger’s two innings of relief, struck out three and gave up four earned runs. Brandon Neeck, Justin Meis and Beau Burrows each pitched an inning and combined to only give up three Louisville hits. Indians pitchers struck out a combined 13 batters on Sunday.
Luis Mey started for the Bats and shut out the Indians in his 2.0 innings. Sam Benschoter (W, 5-5) followed him, and Hunter Parks (S, 6) closed the game out.
The Indians return home and will start their six-game series against the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday with first pitch set for 6:35 PM at Victory Field.