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IL1 Indianapolis Indians

Owens Outduels Cueto, Tribe Takes Down Bats 7-1

April 16, 2011 - International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Tribe starting pitcher Rudy Owens tossed five no-hit innings on his way to earning his second victory of the year, while also outdueling Cincinnati Reds starter Johnny Cueto, who was on a Major League rehabilitation assignment, as the Indianapolis Indians defeated the Louisville Bats 7-1 on Saturday afternoon at Louisville Slugger Field.

With the victory the Indians end their four game losing streak and give the Bats their first loss since Opening day ending their eight game winning streak. The win also improves Indianapolis' record to 2-8 on the season, while the loss drops Louisville to 8-2.

Owens (6.1 IP 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO) dominated over the first five innings of the game, holding the Bats hitless, while striking out three. The Tribe southpaw surrendered just a single run in the seventh and now has both of the Indians wins so far this season, after also allowing just one score in his first win on April 11 against Toledo.

After being shut out by the Bats the night before, the Indians offense would finally break out with multiple runs in the fourth and eighth innings on their way to the 7-1 victory. RF Andrew Lambo and 3B Josh Harrison led the way offensively for the Tribe as duo combined to go 3-for-8 with four runs and an RBI, while INF Andy Marte would come through with the clutch hit of the afternoon for the Indians.

For the first time this season the Indians got on the board first led by Lambo who lined a one out double to center, moved to third on a Bats' throwing error and came plateward along with Harrison on a clutch two-run single by 2B Brian Friday. Harrison also stole his second base of the game in the fourth to give him four on the season, trailing only CF Gorkys Hernandez, who also swiped two bags in the contest to take over the team lead with five.

Louisville would cut the Tribe lead to one with a single tally in the bottom of the seventh as C Devin Mesoraco led off the frame with a line drive double to center and came home on a single off the bat of 2B Chris Valaika. However, the Indians would put the game away with four runs on three hits and two walks in the top of the eighth inning.

Lambo once again sparked the scoring rally as he drove a one-out single to center and came quickly around to score when Harrison followed with a triple to right. Then following walks to C Wyatt Toregas and Friday, Marte came through with a clutch pinch hit three-run double to blow the game wide open.

With his triple, Harrison has now collected a hit in five straight games during which time he his hitting .389 (7-for-18) with five runs, three RBI and four stolen bases. Marte also continues to blast the Bats at Louisville Slugger Field, where in his career he has now posted a .345 (20-for-58) average with 12 runs, five doubles and 19 RBI in 15 career games.

The Tribe would tack on one more run in the top of the ninth as LF Alex Presley reached on an infield single and eventually came around to score on a base hit by 1B Matt Hague. With his base hit, Presley (2-for-5, 1 R) posted his team best sixth multi-hit game of the year, while Lambo (2-for-5, 2 R) joined Presley with multiple base knocks on the afternoon.

Cueto (3.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO) suffered the loss despite allowing just one earned run on two hits over 3.1 innings of work. Bats reliever Jeremy Horst (3.2 IP, 2 H, 6 SO) was dominant in relief of Cueto as the left hander struck out six over 3.2 innings of scoreless relief.

The Indians bullpen continued their excellent work as of late as LHP Tony Watson (0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 SO) worked the Indians out of the seventh inning jam to earn his first hold of the season, before RHP Tim Wood (2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 SO) held the Bats scoreless and struck out three over the final two frames of the contest.

Indianapolis continues their first road trip of the season in Louisville on Sunday, April 17 at 2:05 p.m. LHP Brian Burres is expected to get the start for the Tribe, while RHP Homer Bailey is the probable starter for the Bats.

The contest will be carried on WNDE 1260 AM, WNDE.com and via iheartradio, a mobile application for iPhone, Blackberry and Android phones with Howard Kellman and Scott McCauley on the call. The pre-game show begins at 1:45 p.m.

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