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Indians Stun Mets with Late Rally to Win Opener

July 23, 2019 - International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Down to the game's final strike, Erik Gonzalez doubled home the tying and go-ahead runs as the Indianapolis Indians stunned the Syracuse Mets with a ninth-inning rally on Tuesday night, 7-6.

With one out in the top of the ninth, Christian Kelley clubbed a single to ignite the rally. One out later, Cole Tucker drew a walk to advance Kelley to second base. JB Shuck ran for Kelley as Erik Gonzalez stepped to the plate. Down to his last strike, the rehabbing Pittsburgh Pirates infielder smashed a ground-rule double to right field to score both runners and give Indy the 7-6 advantage.

The drama was not over as Arismendy Alcantara led off the bottom of the ninth with a hit to left field. He tried to stretch it into a double, but Pablo Reyes threw him out at second base. Geoff Hartlieb then retired the final two batters without issue to complete the comeback victory.

The come-from-behind bid seemed unnecessary early as Indianapolis (51-49) built a 4-0 lead in the first half of the game. Jason Martin launched a two-run home run in the second for the contest's first score. The Indians added on with a single from Reyes in the fourth and from Tucker in the fifth.

Syracuse (50-51) spoiled the early lead with a six-run sixth that preceded Tuesday's drama. The inning was highlighted by a pair of two-run homers from Travis Taijeron and Danny Espinosa.

The Mets led 6-4 after six, but Tucker hit his eighth home run of the year in the seventh to bring the Tribe within a run. The long ball helped setup the ninth inning comeback and was the second of the game for Indy.

Yefry Ramirez (2-4) worked two and one-third innings to pick up the win out of the Indianapolis bullpen. Hartlieb's ninth-inning effort earned him his second save with the Tribe of the campaign.

Tim Peterson (2-5) had blown just one save opportunity all season entering the game, but he was handed the loss.

Indy and Syracuse will play game two of the series on Wednesday afternoon. First pitch is set for Noon with James Marvel (2-0, 2.55) set to take the mound. The Indians are currently on a road trip through the International League's North Division, but they return to Victory Field on Monday, July 29.

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