Tribe Puts Louisville Away Early in 7-3 Win
INDIANAPOLIS -- Mel Rojas Jr. homered, scored twice and drove in three behind Jake Brigham's ninth quality start as the Indianapolis Indians (65-66) narrowed their IL West deficit to six games with a 7-3 win over the Louisville Bats (64-67) on Tuesday night at Victory Field.
The Tribe continued its recent trend of scoring early and often, plating a first-inning tally for the fourth consecutive game and five total runs through the end of the third frame.
Chase d'Arnaud notched the first of his three leadoff hits by doubling and scoring in the opening inning on Louisville's botched bunt coverage near the pitcher's mound.
Rojas walked as the first batter of the second inning, moved to third on Tommy Field's eighth Indians hit in seven games and crossed home on a ground ball to short to extend the lead to 2-0.
The Indians then put the game out of reach in the bottom of third with Jaff Decker plating d'Arnaud and Rojas depositing a two-run homer over the right field wall.
Indians righty Brigham earned the win in his first start since June 30. He allowed just two runs in 6 1/3 innings prior to the bullpen sealing the victory with a lone run in the ninth.