Cruz Hits First Triple-A Homer in Indians Loss

Published on September 23, 2021 under International League (IL)
Indianapolis Indians News Release

PAPILLION, NEB. - Oneil Cruz homered in his second Triple-A at-bat after being promoted from Double-A Altoona, but the Indianapolis Indians lost their first game of the Triple-A Final Stretch to the Omaha Storm Chasers on Wednesday night, 4-3.

With Omaha (67-54) leading 1-0 in the top of the third inning, Cruz - Pittsburgh's No. 3 rated prospect via MLB Pipeline - muscled a fly ball out over the Werner Park left-field bleachers. Cruz served as the Indians leadoff hitter and shortstop for the contest, and was joined by third baseman Rodolfo Castro and designated hitter Mason Martin as sluggers to make their Triple-A debuts.

The Indians (57-63) trailed 2-1 entering the sixth inning after a Gabriel Cancel solo home run, but the Omaha lead didn't last long. With one runner on and one out, Christian Bethancourt sent his 11th home run of the season out to right field to retake the lead, 3-2.

The Storm Chasers then came back for the win with two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning off Shea Spitzbarth (L, 3-3). Carlos Sanabria (W, 2-0) tossed two scoreless innings in relief, and Grant Gavin (S, 3) closed out the contest.

Roansy Contreras made his Triple-A debut on the hill for the Indians to start the game. In 3.2 innings, he allowed one run on four hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Contreras is currently rated by MLB Pipeline as the Pirates No. 6 prospect.

The Indians and Storm Chasers will battle in Game 2 of the five-game series on Thursday night at 8:05 PM ET. RHP John O'Reilly (0-1, 5.92) will lead the Indians in a bullpen day, and RHP Brandon Barker (1-3, 8.74) will counter for Omaha.

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