Four Indians hitters logged multi-hit efforts in the loss
By Jack McMullen
July 2, 2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After scoring 12 unanswered runs in a comeback win on Saturday night, the Indianapolis Indians couldn’t counter the Louisville Bats’ three runs in the sixth and seventh innings on Sunday afternoon in a loss at Louisville Slugger Field, 7-4.
Tied 4-4 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Bats (42-36) took a lead they wouldn’t relinquish against right-hander Cody Bolton (L, 1-3) when Louisville catcher Chuckie Robinson singled with the bases loaded and left fielder Nick Martini plated a run with a sacrifice fly. In the seventh, first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand added insurance with a lead-off solo home run for this 18th blast of the season.
The Indians (36-43) jumped on Louisville starter Michael Mariot immediately when third baseman Chris Owings ripped the first pitch of the game down the left field line for a double and designated hitter Miguel Andújar drove him in with an RBI single up the middle. The Bats countered for three runs in the bottom of the second, thanks in large part to a two-run triple from Robinson down the left field line.
After a sacrifice fly from left fielder Cal Mitchell and an RBI single from center fielder Ryan Vilade in the top of the sixth, the Indians were held out of the scoring column for the back third of the game by Louisville right-handers Silvino Bracho (W, 1-1) and Alan Busenitz (S, 6), who fired a combined 3.2 IP of shutout ball while allowing just two hits and striking out five.
With the single and a walk, Vilade extended his on-base streak to 22 games, which is the fourth longest active streak in the International League. He has also now drawn a walk in 11 of his last 13 games. Shortstop Alika Williams had his nine-game hitting streak snapped with an 0-for-4 day at the plate.
The Indians and Bats conclude their six-game series on Monday night at 7:05 PM ET at Louisville Slugger Field. The pitching matchup will be a rematch of the series opener, with left-hander Kent Emanuel (5-3, 6.44) getting the ball for Indianapolis against Louisville right-hander Brett Kennedy (2-2, 3.71). The Indians then return home to host the Cardinals-affiliated Memphis Redbirds on the Fourth of July at 7:05 PM ET.
Originally posted on milb.com