IL Indianapolis Indians

Smith's Solid Start Not Enough as Indians Drop Third in a Row, 6-1

Published on April 20, 2023 under International League (IL)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Despite top prospect Endy Rodríguez's team-leading third home run of the season, the Indianapolis Indians dropped their third straight game to the Memphis Redbirds on Thursday night at AutoZone Park, 6-1.

The Indians (7-11) were in control through the front four innings, thanks to a strong start from left-hander Caleb Smith (L, 0-2) in his first start since coming off the 7-day injured list. Smith was perfect through his first three innings and didn't allow a hit through his first four.

Rodríguez supplied the Indians' early, and only, offense with a solo home run against Redbirds starter Connor Thomas (W, 2-1). The switch-hitter clubbed his first long ball of the season as a right-handed hitter, with his previous two coming at Victory Field from the left side of the plate. Last season, just six of his 25 home runs across all levels came as a right-handed hitter.

The Redbirds (13-5) flipped the game in the bottom of the fifth against Smith thanks to a two-run home run from third baseman Juniel Querecuto. Memphis struck for three more in the sixth, highlighted by a two-run single from center fielder Óscar Mercado, and one more in the seventh on an RBI double from right fielder Juan Yepez.

The Redbirds extended their International League-best 10-game winning streak with the win on Thursday. Despite the loss, Indians right fielder Cal Mitchell extended his hitting streak to five games with a single to right field in the seventh, while center fielder Chavez Young singled in the sixth to extend his on-base streak to seven games.

The Indians continue their six-game series at AutoZone Park on Friday night at 8:05 PM ET. Pirates top pitching prospect Quinn Priester (1-1, 6.08) will toe the rubber for the Indians, while the Redbirds have yet to announce a starter.

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International League Stories from April 20, 2023


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