Indians Nipped 2-1 in Series Opener
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Indians were unable to convert a bases-loaded, one-out bottom of the eighth into the tying run and were defeated by the Louisville Bats 2-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Victory Field.
Top infield prospect Alen Hanson sent a bouncer back to the mound that was corralled by reliever Donovan Hand and turned into a force play at home for the second out of the eighth inning.
With the bases still loaded, rehabbing Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Chris Stewart lined out to third to halt the rally and end the frame.
Louisville (3-4) starter Dylan Axelrod picked up the win with just one run on two hits over seven solid innings.
His counterpart, Adrian Sampson, fanned seven in 5 1/3 frames of work, but finished on the wrong end of Wednesday's decision after allowing two runs for the Tribe (3-4).
Hunter Morris plated the Indians' only run with a sac fly in the first.
Indianapolis native Tucker Barnhart singled home the Bats' tying tally in the fourth and Irving Falu drove in the deciding score with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.