Indians' Offense Explodes In 9-2 Win
Published on May 6, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Indians' offense scored seven runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and right-handed pitcher Brad Lincoln allowed one run in six innings of work as the Tribe downed the visiting Buffalo Bisons 9-2 at Victory Field on Thursday night.
The win improves the Indians' record to 14-13, while the loss drops the Bisons to 16-11 on the season.
With the Indians clinging to a one run advantage heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Tribe offense exploded for seven runs on seven hits in the frame to take a commanding 9-1 lead.
LF Brandon Moss, who collected two hits in the inning, led off with a single and then stole second base before C Erik Kratz doubled him home to kick off the Indians' scoring barrage. Following a sacrifice bunt by 2B Brian Friday, the offensive flood gates then opened as SS Argenis Diaz singled to drive home Kratz and advanced to second on the throw. Pinch-hitter Brian Myrow then singled home Diaz, and, after CF Tabata was hit by a pitch, a double by 1B Neil Walker plated Myrow. 3B Pedro Alvarez then closed out the scoring with a three-run bomb to right field.
In a contest that saw the Indians score nine runs on 15 hits, the Tribe jumped out to an early 1-0 advantage in the home half of the first inning. Tabata, who prior to Thursday night's contest had reached base and scored in the first inning of his last five games played, started the frame with a walk and later scored on a two-out single by RF Brandon Jones.
The Bisons tied the game 1-1 on a solo home run by LF Chris Carter to lead off the fourth inning, before the Tribe regained the lead at 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth. Tabata sparked the fifth inning rally when he doubled with one out and scored one batter later on an RBI single by Walker.
Not to be overshadowed by the Indianapolis offense was the performance by Lincoln. The right-hander (6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) allowed just one run and struck out seven batters in six innings to earn his third victory of the season. Bisons' LHP Bobby Livingston (5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO) was saddled with the loss despite allowing only two runs in five innings of work.
The Indians' offensive attack featured five-multiple hit efforts, including Tabata (2-for-3, 3 R, 1 2B), Walker (2-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI), Moss (3-for-4, 1 R), Kratz (3-for-4, 1 R, 2 2B, 1 RBI) and Diaz (2-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI), while the Bisons had only one player, CF Jason Pridie (2-for-5, 1 R), post a multiple hit effort on the evening.
The two teams continue their four-game series on Friday, May 7 at 7:15 p.m. LHP Donnie Veal is expected to get the nod for Indianapolis, while RHP Dillon Gee is the probable starter for Buffalo.
The contest will be carried by WXLW-950 AM and broadcast live on Comcast and Bright House Networks digital channel 81 with Howard Kellman and Scott McCauley on the call. The pre-game show on WXLW-950 AM begins at 6:55 p.m.
Post-game quotes -- C Erik Kratz
(on scoring from third in the sixth inning)
"I was thinking I needed to get out there halfway. It wasn't really a dash to the plate, just a completion of 90 feet. Just trying to beat the play to the plate and fortunately I was able to."
(on Indians' starting pitcher Brad Lincoln's performance)
"Anytime you put Lincoln in there, you are going to have a great game. Tonight, he made one bad pitch and it wasn't even that bad, it was just a good swing. We were able to continue to mix in the zone and he was able to attack with three pitches in the zone and that is tough with anyone let alone someone with Lincoln's heater."
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