Indians Hold on to Beat Bulls 10-6
Published on August 24, 2008 under International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release
DURHAM, N.C. -- Right hander Ross Ohlendorf allowed just one run over eight innings, while right fielder Steve Pearce and catcher Carlos Maldonado combined to drive in five as Indianapolis took down Durham 10-6 on Sunday evening at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
The Indians improve to 65-71 overall and 30-38 on the road, while the Bulls fall to 69-67 on the season and 30-38 at home. The win is the third in-a-row for Indianapolis and their fifth straight against Durham this season.
Ohlendorf (8.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 SO) allowed just one run over eight innings to improve to 4-4 on the season. The 26-year-old has now gone at least six innings in each of six starts with the Indians this season, while striking out 35 and walking just eight.
The Tribe took an early lead with three runs in the third, before exploding for seven runs over the final three innings.
Pearce and Maldonado led the Indians' offensive attack combining to go 5-for-9 with a run and five RBI. It was the first RBI for Pearce since being optioned from Pittsburgh on Aug. 23 and the first three-hit and three-RBI contest for Maldonado this season.
LF Chris Duffy started the scoring for the Indians with an RBI fielder's choice that plated 1B Jason Delaney, who led off the third inning with a walk. CF Andrew McCutchen, Pearce, and DH Ronny Paulino followed with back-to-back-to-back singles to extend the Tribe lead to 3-0.
Delaney got things going again in the seventh, reaching on a hit-by-pitch before trotting home on a single by Pearce. SS Luis Cruz kept things rolling in the eighth coming around to score on a Maldonado double after leading off the inning with a two-bagger of his own.
The Tribe then tacked on four important insurance runs in the ninth on an RBI groundout by Cruz, RBI single by Delaney and two-run base knock by Maldonado.
Maldonado (3-for-5, 3 RBI), Pearce (2-for-4, 1 R, 2 RBI) and Delaney (2-for-3, 2 R, 1 RBI) all collected multiple hits for Indianapolis.
After plating just one run in eight innings off Indians starter Ross Ohlendorf, Durham battled back with five runs in the ninth off Indians relievers. However, they fell short as the Tribe's four-spot in the top of the final frame allowed them to hold on for the victory.
Pinch-hitter Josh Johnson led off the ninth with his second long ball of the year. 3B Chris Nowak and 2B Elliot Johnson then followed with a single and double before SS Ronnie Merrill drew a walk to load the bases.
CF Fernando Perez then drew a bases loaded walk before LF Jonny Gomes and DH Dan Johnson roped back-to-back RBI singles.
Perez also plated the Bulls first run, when he led off the sixth inning with an infield single and eventually came plateward on a RBI base knock by 1B Chris Richard. Perez also turned in the only multi-hit effort for Durham with a perfect 4-for-4 effort at the plate.
Bulls starter Mitch Talbot (5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO) was pegged with the loss to drop to 13-8 on the season.
The teams continue their four-game series on Monday at 7:05 p.m. RHP Jeff Niemann is scheduled to start for Durham, while RHP Jimmy Barthmaier is expected to get the nod for Indianapolis.
The contest will be carried by WXLW-950 AM and www.IndyIndians.com with Howard Kellman and Scott McCauley. The pre-game show begins at 6:45 p.m.
International League Stories from August 24, 2008
- Bats Defeat Clips 8-5, "84" Wins Tie Franchise Record - Louisville Bats
- Indians Hold on to Beat Bulls 10-6 - Indianapolis Indians
- Rally Falls Short but Bulls Get Closer to Division Crown - Durham Bulls
- Knights Ride the Tides Out - Charlotte Knights
- Bisons Notes - Buffalo Bisons
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.
