Bats Fall to Indians, 4-2
September 7, 2009 - International League (IL1)
Louisville Bats News Release
Louisville, KY - The Louisville Bats were defeated by the Indianapolis Indians 4-2 in the last game of the regular season on a beautiful Labor Day afternoon. The Indians scored two runs on a fielder's choice, coupled with a throwing error in the top of the eighth inning, to break a 2-2 dead lock. For the Indians it was their final game of the season, whereas the International League West Division champion Bats will move on to the playoffs this Wednesday. The game was played at Louisville Slugger Field, in front of 8,375 fans.
After failing to score a run with runners on second and third with one out in the bottom of the first, the Bats got on the board in the bottom of the second. Danny Dorn stepped up with one out and blasted a 371-foot line drive home run, giving the Bats a 1-0 lead. It was Dorn's 14th home run of the year, and 11th at home.
The Bats added on to the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Juan Francisco doubled to lead off the inning and was followed by a single by Todd Frazier, putting runners on the corners with nobody out. Dorn then struck out, and Chris Valaika singled up the middle, scoring Francisco, increasing the Bats lead to 2-0.
The Indians were finally able to get on the board in the top of the sixth. With two outs, Tagg Bozied, Eric Kratz, and Hector Gimenez all singled, with Bozied scoring on the Gimenez hit, edging the Indians closer at 2-1. Robinson Diaz then walked to load the bases, but Bats starting pitcher Tom Cochran was able to bear down and strike out Chris Barnwell to kill the rally. The run was also the first run the Indians had scored in the last 20 innings of play.
The Indians were able to even the score with a little help from Mother Nature in the top of the seventh. Pinch hitter Larry Broadway hit what looked to be a routine fly ball to right fielder Jay Bruce, and even with his glove in the air, Bruce appeared to lose the ball in the sun, and Broadway ended up on second base. Brian Bixler singled to put runners on the corners with none out. Jose Tabata then grounded into a double play, scoring Broadway, tying the score at two.
In the top of the eighth, the Indians untied the game. Bozied led off the inning with a single, but he was subsequently forced out on a fielder's choice by Kratz. Gimenez walked, and Diaz singled, loading the bases with one out. Barnwell then hit into a fielder's choice, scoring Kratz, as well as Gimenez, via an error by second baseman, Frazier. The play gave the Indians their first lead of the game at 4-2.
Cochran pitched well and took a no decision for the Bats in his third Triple-A start. He tossed six innings, allowing six hits, one run, three walks, while striking out six batters.
Eric Hacker started for the Indians, and also received a no decision. He pitched six innings, surrendering six hits, two runs, two walks, while striking out five.
Juan Mateo picked up the win for the Indians in relief of Hacker. Mateo (7-7, 3.79) pitched two scoreless innings, giving up one hit and stirking out one.
Greg Atencio took the loss in a relief effort for the Bats. Atencio (2-1, 8.44) pitched one inning, giving up two runs (one earned), one walk, and striking out one.
Jean Machi came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning and picked up his sixth save of the season.
The Bats have a day off Tuesday and will travel to Durham on Wednesday to take on the Bulls in the first game of a best of five playoff series. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. The Bats will send LHP Travis Wood (4-2, 3.14) to the hill, and the Bulls will counter with RHP Jeremy Hellickson (6-1, 2.51).
International League Stories from September 7, 2009
- Indians Finish Season with 4-2 Comeback Win - Indianapolis Indians
- Bats Fall to Indians, 4-2 - Louisville Bats
- Bulls Lose Finale, Begin Playoffs on Wednesday - Durham Bulls
- Bisons Notes - Buffalo Bisons
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