Bats Fall 6-2 After Lengthy Rain Delay
June 24, 2017 - International League (IL1)
Louisville Bats News Release
LOUISVILLE, KY - The Louisville Bats (28-44) have lost their third straight game with Friday night's 6-2 defeat to the Indianapolis Indians (41-31) at Louisville Slugger Field.
In the bottom of the first inning, Alex Blandino smacked a one-out single to shallow right field, giving him the first hit of his Triple-A career. However, the Bats failed to produce any runs in the inning.
The Indians got on the board in the top of the second inning with the help of a solo homer from Jackson Williams . This shot marks the first time Robert Stephenson has given up a home run in his 2017 campaign, and he would allow two more before his night ended.
Faced with a 1-0 deficit in the bottom of the fifth inning, Brandon Dixon reached base on a two-out hit by pitch, and soon after stole second, giving him his tenth stolen base of the season. Beau Amaral then singled to left, plating Dixon and evening the score at one.
The top of the sixth inning proved tough for Stephenson when he surrendered a one-out triple, followed by a two-run homer to Jason Rogers . The next batter drilled a double to right, and Erich Weiss then hit the Indians' second two-run homer of the inning with a shot over the right field wall, extending the Indianapolis lead to 5-1.
Stephenson was pulled from the game with two outs in the sixth inning, and his night ended with a final line that illustrated five earned runs off of six hits and two walks. In an outing that ended with the Bats down 5-1, Stephenson was still able to strikeout eight batters in just five and two-thirds innings of work.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Bats cut into their disadvantage when Darnell Sweeney blasted his first home run of the season to right field, a solo shot that would bring the score to 5-2.
With Barrett Astin on the mound in the seventh, the Indians collected three hits, including an RBI single that extended their lead to 6-2.
Louisville went down scoreless in innings seven through nine and ended the night with a 6-2 loss.
Saturday will feature a doubleheader against the Indianapolis Indians in order to make up for Thursday's postponed series opener, with the first game beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field.
The Bats will send RHP Sal Romano (1-1, 3.00 ERA) to the mound for game one, and RHP Jackson Stephens (4-4, 5.07 ERA) for game two. Louisville is set to face the Indians' LHP Steven Brault (5-3, 2.18 ERA) and RHP Tyler Eppler (5-2, 3.88 ERA).
• Discuss this story on the International League message board...
International League Stories from June 24, 2017
- Bisons Fall to Chiefs After Walk-Off Single, 6-5 - Buffalo Bisons
- De Aza, Chiefs Walk off to Extend Win Streak - Syracuse Mets
- Gwinnett defeat Norfolk - Gwinnett Stripers
- PawSox Snap Skid with Shutout Win - Pawtucket Red Sox
- Pigs Continue Series with Red Wings - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Hoskins, Pinto Lead Pigs to 4-3 Victory - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Holmes and Home Runs Pave Way for Tribe Victory - Indianapolis Indians
- Bats Fall 6-2 After Lengthy Rain Delay - Louisville Bats
- Bisons Lose Pitchers' Duel to Chiefs - Buffalo Bisons
- Big Fourth Inning Sends Bulls Past Knights - Durham Bulls
- Knights Drop Friday's Game to Bulls - Charlotte Knights
- Long, Falu Lead Chiefs to 2-1 Win - Syracuse Mets
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Louisville Bats Stories
- Louisville Bats Release 2024 Opening Day Roster
- Louisville Bats HBCU Classic Cancelled Due to Weather
- Bats to Hold Annual Open House, Host Inaugural HBCU Classic
- Bats Welcome OVG Hospitality as New Food & Beverage Partner, Announce Upcoming Job Fair
- Inaugural Louisville Bats HBCU Classic Coming to Louisville Slugger Field