IL1 Indianapolis Indians

Tribe takes series

Published on May 20, 2011 under International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


INDIANAPOLIS -- Third baseman Andy Marte went 2-for-3 and drove in all three Tribe runs, including the game-winning two-run home run in the fifth inning, while starting pitcher Rudy Owens surrendered just one run over seven innings as the Indianapolis Indians took home the series victory with a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Bisons in front of 11,839 on Friday night at Victory Field.

With the win the Indians improve to 18-25, while the Bisons fall to an identical 18-25 mark with the defeat. The victory also gave the Tribe a 3-1 series win and helped them finish out the eight-game homestand with a 6-2 record.

Despite the two teams combining for 17 hits, only five runners crossed home plate as defense played a huge role in the Tribe's series clinching victory. The Indians' defense turned four double plays including one on the final play of the game, where LF Alex Presley made a spectacular diving catch and then quickly popped up in time to gun down a Bisons' runner at second to end the contest.

While the defense kept the Buffalo offense at bay, Marte, who entered the night hitless in each of his last four games, broke out in a big way by driving in all three of the Indians' runs. The multi-hit effort was just the second of the season for Marte, while he was also the only player in the contest to drive in multiple runs.

LF John Bowker (2-for-3, 1 R, 1 BB), who was the only other Indians' batter with multiple hits in the contest, began the first scoring rally with a single to lead-off the second. Then after the Tribe loaded the bases with walks from RF Andrew Lambo and C Dusty Brown, Marte plated the game's first run with an RBI double to deep center to bring home Bowker.

Buffalo would even the score at one with a single score in the top of the fourth, as 3B Luis Figueroa tripled to left to lead-off the frame and quickly came plateward when 2B Michael Fisher followed with a base hit. Figueroa (3-for-4, 2 R) and Fisher (2-for-4, 1 RBI) were the catalysts for the Bisons' offensive attack, as they posted their only multi-hit performances, while Figueroa scored both runs and Fisher drove in one of the two tallies.

Marte would however put the game out of reach in the following frame, when following a lead-off base hit by Brown, the right handed slugger deposited the second pitch of his at-bat over the left field fence to give the Indians a 3-1 advantage. The longball for Marte was his third of the season, but first since he connected on a solo shot in Toledo on April 20.

Buffalo would make things interesting as they threatened in each of the last two frames, but only came away with one run. Figueroa and Fisher sparked the rally yet again, as they roped back-to-back two-out singles in the top of the eighth to set the stage for CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who ripped a single of his own to bring home Figueroa.

Owens (7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO) scattered seven base knocks and induced three double plays to earn the victory and improve to 3-3 on the season. Following Owens, relievers Cesar Valdez (0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO), Tim Wood (0.1 IP, 1 H) and Evan Meek (1.0 IP) finished off the victory, with Valdez and Wood picking up holds and Meek earning the save.

Buffalo starter D. J. Carrasco (6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 1-2 after allowing all three Tribe runs on six hits and three walks over six innings of work.

Indianapolis now heads on the road for an eight-game road trip beginning on May 21 at 6:35 p.m. against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. LHP Brian Burres is expected to get the start for the Indians, while RHP D.J. Mitchell is scheduled to take to the mound for the Yankees.

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 6:15 p.m.

The Indians' next homestand begins on Memorial Day (May 30) when they host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees at 6:05 p.m. The Monday Dollar Menu will be in effect as fans can purchase hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jack, popcorn and potato chips for just $1 each.

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International League Stories from May 20, 2011


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