IL1 Indianapolis Indians

Powell Pitches Indians To 1-0 Win Over Toledo

Published on August 20, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


TOLEDO, Ohio -- Starting pitcher Jeremy Powell held the Toledo offense scoreless over 7.1 innings of work to outduel Mud Hens' starter L.J. Gagnier, who allowed only one run over seven strong innings, as the Indianapolis Indians earned a hard-fought 1-0 win on Friday night at Fifth Third Field.

With the win, Indianapolis improves its record to 64-63 on the season, while the loss drops Toledo to 58-68 on the year. The victory also gives the Tribe the 2-1 series win over the Mud Hens and ups the Indians' record to 10-9 against Toledo with two games remaining between the two teams this year.

Powell's (7.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 6 SO) scoreless effort improved his record to 9-8 on the season and the right-hander has now posted a 1.29 ERA in 14.0 innings of work over his last two starts. Prior to tonight's dominant outing against the Mud Hens, the Indians' starter had posted a 1-1 record and a 6.23 ERA (9 ER in 13.0 IP) in three starts against Toledo this season.

With a runner standing at first base and one out in the bottom of the eighth inning, Tribe reliever and Toledo native Justin Thomas (1.0 IP, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 SO) entered the contest in relief of Powell. After striking out the first batter he faced on four pitches, the left-hander issued a walk to LF Jeff Frazier, but rebounded nicely with his second strikeout of the inning one hitter later to escape the jam and send the contest to the ninth.

Thomas, who earned his 10th hold of the season with his scoreless effort, later recorded the first out of the ninth inning before handing the ball over to Indians' closer Jean Machi (0.2 IP, 0 R, 1 BB). Despite issuing a walk of his own after recording the second out of the inning, Machi induced a game-ending popup to preserve Powell's ninth victory of the season and earn his 18th save of the year.

Mud Hens' starter L.J. Gagnier (7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) was strapped with his seventh loss of season after the right-hander gave up one run on two hits and a walk after facing the first three Tribe batters of the contest. Following the Indians' lone run of the game, Gagnier rebounded to retire 19 of the final 22 Tribe batters he faced, but the combined shutout effort of Powell, Thomas and Machi held the Mud Hens' offense to only two hits in the contest.

The only run of the contest was scored in quick fashion by the Indianapolis offense in the top of the first inning. LF Kevin Melillo opened the game with a walk and stole second base before he advanced to third on a base knock to center field by 3B Akinori Iwamura. With runners standing at the corners and no outs in the frame, CF Alex Presley lined the fourth pitch of his plate appearance to right field to give Powell and the Indians' bullpen the only run they would need in the contest.

Indianapolis now heads home for a three-game series against the Wild Card-leading Louisville Bats beginning on Saturday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. RHP Joe Martinez is the probable starter for the Tribe, while LHP Matt Maloney is expected to get the nod for the Bats.

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 6:40 p.m.

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International League Stories from August 20, 2010


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