IL1 Louisville Bats

Antone Impresses, Bats Beat Indians 6-1

Published on July 2, 2019 under International League (IL1)
Louisville Bats News Release


LOUISVILLE, Ky - Winning three of their last four games, the Louisville Bats (31-53) defeated the Indianapolis Indians (42-40) Tuesday night by a score of 6-1, evening the series. Bats starter Tejay Antone (2-1, 5.71) picked up his second win of the season with Louisville pitching six impressive innings, allowing just one run. Josh VanMeter and Brian O'Grady once again provided the spark for Louisville offensively.

Louisville would get to Indians starter Alex McRae (5-5, 4.90) starting the scoring off early. In the first inning with two outs, VanMeter singled then stole second, his eighth stolen base of the season. Center fielder Aristides Aquino would double to score VanMeter to put the Bats up 1-0. The double was Aquino's 10th of the season. Helping out Antone in the third, the Bats' offense would extend their lead to 2-0, with Christian Colon leading off the inning with a double of his own. VanMeter singled in Colon to pick up his second hit of the night. He finished the game reaching base five times going a perfect 3-for-3 while walking once and being hit by a pitch.

In his third start of the season with Louisville, Antone had an impressive outing. Indianapolis' offense would threaten in the fourth and fifth innings. In the top of the fourth, the Indians put together multiple hits to put one run on the board to make the score 2-1, cutting into the Louisville lead. With two outs and two runners on, Antone worked his way out of the jam. Antone also worked his way out of a two-out bases-loaded jam in the fifth by striking out Indians slugger Will Craig. Antone surrendered just one run and struck out six to earn the quality start.

The Bats would pad their lead in the seventh adding three more runs. With Alex Blandino reaching on a double and VanMeter walking, O'Grady would make his presence felt belting his 20th home run of the season, making it a 5-1 game. The home run marks the 12th time a Louisville player has hit at least 20 homers in a season since the team became a Reds affiliate in 2000.

Following up Antone, the Bats bullpen also impressed. Relievers Joe Mantiply and Joel Kuhnel combined to toss three shutout innings allowing no hits, with Kuhnel striking out three.

Looking to win their second consecutive series, the Bats and Indians wrap-up their three-game tilt Wednesday night at Louisville Slugger Field with the first pitch being set at 6:45 pm. Louisville right-hander Keury Mella (4-8, 5.07) will take the mound. Indianapolis' starter has not been determined.

Check out the Louisville Bats Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International League Stories from July 2, 2019


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.

OurSports Central