IL Indianapolis Indians

Indians Walk off Redbirds to Preserve Priester's Gem

Published on July 6, 2023 under International League (IL)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Indians defended a gem taken into the eighth inning by ace Quinn Priester with a walk-off sacrifice fly courtesy of Miguel Andújar, defeating the Memphis Redbirds on Thursday night at Victory Field, 3-2.

With one out and the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth, back-to-back singles by Chris Owings and Endy Rodríguez set up the game-winning run at third base for Andújar, who sent a long fly ball to straightaway center field against Kody Whitley (L, 1-5) for the victory. It was the Indians' (39-44, 6-3) first walk-off win since Aug. 3, 2022 (1) vs. Louisville and their first walk-off sacrifice fly since Aug. 27, 2021 vs. Louisville.

The low-scoring affair began with a leadoff double for Richie Palacios, and Memphis (41-43, 2-7) quickly plated one on a Chase Pinder single. Indianapolis then took the lead in the bottom of the fourth, with consecutive singles by Rodríguez and Andújar beginning the frame. Two runs came around to score via a run-scoring fielder's choice and throwing error by shortstop Juniel Querecuto.

As the Indians took the lead, Priester was in the midst of his seventh quality start this season. After allowing a third-inning single to Palacios, who he then picked off at first base, Priester retired 13 consecutive batters through the seventh inning. In the eighth, Memphis tied the game on back-to-back one-out extra-base hits by Taylor Motter and Querecuto.

Colin Selby entered in relief of Priester and stranded the go-ahead run on second base in the eighth inning - the lone runner left on base for Memphis in the entire contest. Hunter Stratton (W, 2-4) then came in for the ninth and struck out one in a perfect frame to set up the walk-off win.

The Indians pitching staff issued no walks in the victory for the fourth time this season and first since June 9 vs. Omaha. The offense laid down two sacrifice bunts, its most since matching that mark on June 21, 2022 vs. Memphis.

The series at Victory Field continues Saturday at 7:05 PM ET as the Indians will look to clinch at least a series split vs. the Redbirds. RHP Jared Jones (0-1, 5.87) will take the hill for Indianapolis against LHP Andrew Suarez (4-2, 4.38).

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