Indians Drop Series Opener to Iowa

August 3, 2021 - International League (IL)
Indianapolis Indians News Release

DES MOINES, IOWA - The Indianapolis Indians fell behind early and never saw the lead as the Iowa Cubs took the series opener on Tuesday night, 5-1.

Iowa (33-43) took the lead in the bottom of the third inning when Abiatal Avelino hit a bases-loaded double to center field to score two runs. With runners on second and third and one out, Alfonso Rivas grounded out to second baseman Tucupita Marcano which allowed one run to score and gave the I-Cubs a 3-0 lead.

After six scoreless innings, the Indians (37-40) scored their sole run of the game. Marcano reached base on a feilder's choice followed by an RBI double to shallow right field from Bligh Madris.

The I-Cubs tacked on two more insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to extend their lead to 5-1.

Beau Sulser (L, 5-5) earned his third quality start of the season but ultimately took the loss giving up three runs on seven hits in six innings of work. Joe Biagini (W, 2-5) shut down the Indians offense and earned the win throwing 5.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

The Indians will face Iowa again tomorrow for a doubleheader with the first game scheduled for 5:08 PM ET and game two starting 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one. LHP Justin Steele (1-0, 1.21) is set to take the mound for the I-Cubs for game one and RHP Cory Abbott (1-5, 7.21) will toe the rubber for game two. The Indians have yet to name their probable starting pitchers for the doubleheader.

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