IL1 Indianapolis Indians

Craig's Homer Not Enough as Indy Drops Season Opener

Published on April 4, 2019 under International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


COLUMBUS, OHIO - Will Craig clubbed his first home run at the Triple-A level, but Columbus used two big innings to emerge victorious in the opener of the 2019 season, 10-4. The Clippers plated five in the sixth and three more runs in the seventh to overcome a 3-2 deficit.

Craig amassed 20 home runs last season with Double-A Altoona, and he did not waste any time collecting his first Triple-A long ball. With Patrick Kivlehan aboard at first base, Craig launched a breaking ball into the left-field bleachers for a two-run blast. It gave Indianapolis (0-1) a 3-1 lead.

Cameron Maybin helped spark Columbus (1-0) with a double in the third, but most of the offensive work for the Clippers occurred in the sixth. Three of the first four batters reached via a free pass, and Ryan Flaherty followed with a two-run double into the right-field corner. Oscar Mercado and Carlos Gonzalez each knocked in runs in the five-run frame that saw Columbus take a 7-3 lead.

The Clippers added three more in the seventh, as Flaherty drove in two more runs. He capped the seventh with a ground-rule double to center field that bounced into the batter's eye.

Kivlehan brought a run back with two outs in the ninth, he belted a solo home run to left field that sailed over the bleachers. The ninth-inning rally was not enough as Kivlehan's home run proved to be the game's final run.

Indianapolis will look to level the series in game two on Friday night, first pitch in Columbus is set for 6:05 p.m. Top Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Mitch Keller is the scheduled starter for Indy.

Check out the Indianapolis Indians Statistics

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



International League Stories from April 4, 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