INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Indians outfielder Mitch Jebb launched a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to propel the Indians to a 3-1 win vs. the Omaha Storm Chasers in front of 10,662 fans on Friday night at Victory Field.
The bats for Indianapolis (38-29, 69-73) came alive in the bottom of the seventh inning when infielder Jack Brannigan shot a line drive to center field to move Enmanuel Valdez over to third after he led off the inning with a walk. Indians outfielder Robert Hassell III grounded into a double play, but scored Valdez to tie the game at 1-1.
Omaha (31-34, 64-75) scored its only run of the game in the top of the fifth inning when major league rehabber Maikel Garcia singled a ground ball to left to score Colton Becker and put the Storm Chasers up 1-0.
Indians outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in his second game back since being activated from the injured list.
Indians starter Connor Wietgrefe went 5.2 innings and struck out four batters on four hits and only one earned run. Wietgrefe has gone at least 5.0 innings in 12 of his 14 starts with the Indians this season. Justin Meis came in to throw 1.1 innings with three strikeouts and Evan Sisk (W, 3-0) covered the final 2.0 innings with four punchouts to seal the win.
Vince Velasquez went 6.0 innings in his start for Omaha and struck out six batters while only surrendering three hits. Mason Black (L, 0-3) gave up all three Indians runs in 2.0 innings of relief.
The six-game series between Indianapolis and Omaha continues on Saturday at 6:35 PM ET. LHP Nick Dombkowski (4-5, 6.38) is scheduled to start for the Indians and RHP Lucas Braun (8-4, 4.60) will start for Omaha tomorrow night. Saturday night is Scratch-Off Card Giveaway for the first 2,500 early-arriving fans through the gates to receive a scratch-off card for a chance to win exclusive prizes, such as an Indianapolis Indians pennant, tote bag or tumbler cup. 9 Innings of Winnings, presented by Elements Financial, will feature a lucky fan winning a prize every inning, then culminating with Saturday Fireworks, presented by Elements Financial and Spokenote.