TOLEDO, Ohio – Indianapolis Indians infielder Nick Cimillo went 3-for-3 with two home runs, one triple and four RBI in Tuesday night’s 9-7 series-opening loss at the Toledo Mud Hens. Indians catcher Derek Berg launched his third home run of the season 440 feet in the fourth inning and ended his night 2-for-4 at the plate.
Toledo (29-29, 63-69) got on the board in the bottom of the first inning on a Jace Jung double to right field to score Max Anderson. Jung went 2-for-3 with five RBI to start his series. Cimillo’s first homer of the night in the top of the second inning tied it 1-1.
Toledo responded with a 4-four run third inning highlighted by a two-run single from Jung. Indy (34-24, 65-68) bounced back with a two-run triple from Cimillo scoring Duce Gourson and Joshua Palacios before Berg’s home run made it 5-5 going to the bottom of the fourth.
Toledo continued the offensive onslaught with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning led by a triple from outfielder Corey Julks to score Cal Stevenson to put Toledo back in front, 8-5. Jung walked in the bottom of the fifth with the bases loaded to score outfielder Trei Cruz, who went 4-for-5 with three runs scored on Tuesday night.
Cimillo’s second home run in the eighth and a double from Duce Gourson to score Jack Brannigan was the rest of Indy’s offensive production.
Indy starter Noah Davis (L, 2-11) went 3.0 innings and was replaced by Derek Diamond. Wilber Dotel came in for 1.0 inning and Brandon Neeck finished it off with 2.0 innings of work on the hill with two strikeouts.
Toledo’s starter Austin Gomber went 3.1 innings and gave up four earned runs. Andre Granillo (W, 2-1) went 1.2 innings and walked one batter. Brent Hurter and Brenan Hanifee appeared before Jack Little picked up his fourth save of the season.
The six-game series between Indianapolis and Toledo continues Wednesday night at 6:35 PM ET. LHP Hunter Barco (4-6, 3.94) is scheduled to start for the Indians and RHP Carl Edwards Jr. (4-10, 6.36) will take the mound for Toledo.