McLain, Encarnacion-Strand Make History as Bats Defeat Omaha 12-10
May 4, 2023 - International League (IL)
Louisville Bats News Release
PAPILLION, NE. - Matt McLain became the eighth player in franchise history to hit for the cycle while Christian Encarnacion-Strand blasted three home runs as the Louisville Bats (11-17) outlasted the Omaha Storm Chasers (10-17) 12-10 on Thursday evening for their third straight victory.
The offensive fireworks were evident early on as the Bats kicked off the night with four straight hits after a lead-off strikeout. Elly De La Cruz began the hit parade with a single before Matt McLain brought him home with a triple to get the Bats on the board. Back-to-back home runs from Encarnacion-Strand and Will Benson then followed to give Louisville a four-run first inning.
However, the Storm Chasers were able to knot the game up with four runs of their own in the bottom half of the first before taking a one-run lead in the second with the help of a Louisville fielding error.
The Bats answered back in the top of the third as Encarnacion-Strand recorded another two-run home run, bringing Matt McLain in after a double put the second baseman in scoring position. Benson then drew a walk before T.J. Hopkins went yard for his fifth home run of the season, putting the Bats in front once again.
The Chasers scratched another run across in the fourth, but McLain promptly answered with a solo home run to lead off the fifth inning, putting him just a single shy of the cycle. Jason Vosler and Nick Martini both reached base safely to lead off the sixth inning before McLain sent a single into right field to bring the pair home and complete the cycle in his first four plate appearances on the evening.
After Omaha cut the deficit to three heading into the ninth inning, Encarnacion-Strand launched his third homer of the game to bring the lead to 12-8. Encarnacion-Strands three home runs tied a franchise record, making him the eighth Louisville player in franchise history to do so.
The Chasers then managed to bring the winning run to the plate, but a slick play in the field by De La Cruz prevented any further damage and secured the 12-10 victory for the Bats, their third straight victory in Omaha.
Randy Wynne (1-1, 8.25 ERA) picked up his first win of the season after pitching 3.1 innings in relief, while the Bats also saw clean innings of work from Zack Brown (0-1, 15.00 ERA) and Daniel Duarte (0-0, 6.00 ERA) on the mound.
The Bats will look to win their first road series of the season tomorrow afternoon, May 5, against Omaha with first pitch set for 7:35 p.m. ET at Werner Park. Southpaw Brandon Williamson (1-3, 8.46 ERA) will take the mound for Louisville, matching up with right-hander Mike Mayers (1-1, 8.25 ERA) set to start for the Storm Chasers.
International League Stories from May 4, 2023
- Sounds Fight Back, Take Down Saints - Nashville Sounds
- Saints Strike Out Franchise Record 19 Sounds, But Lose 10-8 In 10 - St. Paul Saints
- McLain, Encarnacion-Strand Make History as Bats Defeat Omaha 12-10 - Louisville Bats
- Wings Split Twin-Bill Against RailRiders - Rochester Red Wings
- RailRiders and Red Wings split doubleheader - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Charlotte Clobbers Stripers for Four Home Runs, Wins 15-2 (5.4.23) - Gwinnett Stripers
- Meadows, Nevin Tally RBI in Loss - Toledo Mud Hens
- Knights Win 15-2 Slugfest on Thursday - Charlotte Knights
- Priester's Excellent Start Propels Indians to Win in Toledo, 5-2 - Indianapolis Indians
- Noah Skirrow Spins Quality Start as IronPigs Nab Second Straight Win - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Unforced Errors Doom Mets in 6-4 Loss to IronPigs on Thursday Night - Syracuse Mets
- Bisons Split Doubleheader in Worcester on Thursday - Buffalo Bisons
- WooSox and Bisons Split Twin Bill, Hamilton Homers Again - Worcester Red Sox
- Iowa Evens Series in Pitcher's Duel - Iowa Cubs
- Herrera Drives in Three as Redbirds Fall to Jumbo Shrimp - Memphis Redbirds
- Five-Run Fourth Pushes Jumbo Shrimp to Victory - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Jumbo Shrimp Homestand Highlights, May 9-14 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Norfolk Beats Durham 5-4 - Durham Bulls
- Clutch Hits Lift Norfolk Over Durham - Norfolk Tides
- May 4 Game Notes: Iowa Cubs at Columbus Clippers - Iowa Cubs
- Christopher Morel Named International League Player of the Month - Iowa Cubs
- Game Information: Indianapolis Indians (11-17) at Toledo Mud Hens (18-10) - Indianapolis Indians
- Minor League Baseball Announces April Players and Pitchers of the Month - IL
- Rochester Red Wings Game Notes - May 4 at Scranton/WB - Rochester Red Wings
- Nashville Sounds to Welcome Braves Affiliate Beginning Tuesday, May 9 - Nashville Sounds
- Red Wings to Host Nike Baseball Camp at Innovative Field - Rochester Red Wings
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.
