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 Louisville Bats

Bats Finish Season in Walk-Off Thriller

September 1, 2014 - International League (IL1)
Louisville Bats News Release


LOUISVILLE, KY - The Louisville Bats season ended much the same as it started with a walk-off win. They defeated Indianapolis 4-3 after Jason Bourgeois hit an RBI single on Labor Day at Louisville Slugger Field.

With the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the ninth the Bats trailed 3-2. Donald Lutz came to the plate and Indians pitcher Andy Oliver walked him to bring in the tying run and the knot the game at 3-3.

The Indians would gain an out before Bourgeois came to the plate. He was 0-for-4 heading into the at-bat with the bases still loaded, but laced a hit down the first base line to bring Rey Navarro in for the winning run. He was named the recipient of the Mary E. Barney Most Valuable Player prior to the game.

Louisville ended their 2013 season in a similar manner after outfielder Dennis Phipps hit a walk -off grand slam to give the Bats a 7-5 win over these same Indians.

Right-hander Curtis Partch (4-1, 4.82) entered the game in the top of the ninth inning with one out after Fabio Castillo gave up a single and a double. He blew his fourth save of the season but received his fourth victory. Indians' pinch-hitter Robert Andino hit a two-RBI single to center field to take a 3-2 lead against the Bats.

Righty Josh Smith (10-7, 4.70) started the game on the mound for the Bats. He did not factor into the decision though the Bats were leading when he was taken out of the game. He pitched five innings, giving up five hits, an earned run, three strikeouts and three walks.

Louisville trailed 1-0 in the bottom of the third when Ruben Gotay hit a two-out single. He was followed by Felix Perez who hit a homerun to deep right field to take a 2-1 lead. Perez finished the season with 12 homeruns and 74 RBIs. It's the most RBIs by a Bat since 2011 when Danny Dorn had 74 as well.

Gotay had an exceptional day at the plate in his final appearance as a Bat in 2014. Gotay went 4-for-4 with a run and four singles, marking his first four-hit game of the season. Indianapolis' Dean Anna performed just as well. He hit 4-for-4 with two singles and two doubles.

Left-handed pitcher Rafael Perez (3-1, 1.77) started on the mound for the Indians. He pitched five innings and gave up seven hits, two earned runs and had two strikeouts in the game.

The Bats finish the 2014 season 68-75, last in the International League West division. This is a franchise-record three straight losing seasons for the Bats. The Bats will return in 2015 on April 9. They will open the season against division rival Toledo for a four-game series at LSF at 6:35 p.m.


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