Bats win 8-5 in front of 14,658

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville Bats (5-7) defeated the Syracuse Chiefs (9-5) on Thunder Over Louisville at Louisville Slugger Field by an 8-5 score. The game was played in front of a crowd of 14,658 fans on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

The Bats' offense brought the thunder themselves on Thunder at Slugger Day at the ballpark, scoring eight runs on 12 hits in the 8-5 win over the Washington Nationals' Triple-A affiliate. Right-hander Zach Neal got a win in his Louisville debut with Tanner Rainey notching his first save of the season in a two-inning scoreless effort.
Louisville got on the board early with a Rosell Herrera RBI triple in the first that scored Nick Senzel, with Herrera's triple extending his International League lead in extra-base hits to nine on the season. The Bats collected another run in the first, and took a 5-1 lead in the third inning on RBI hits by Tony Cruz and Blake Trahan.
Jackson Stephens (0-1, 7.62) got the no-decision, going 5.0 innings and giving up three earned runs on six hits, walking three and striking out four on 81 pitches (53 strikes). Stephens helped his own cause, reaching base in both of his plate appearancse with a walk and double.
The Bats allowed the Chiefs to climb back into the game in the top of the seventh, with Syracuse tying it 5-5 before the Bats put up a three-spot in the seventh to make it a 8-5 game and even the series.
The game was played in front of a crowd of 14,658 fans, a sporting event record at Louisville Slugger Field.
The series finale against the Chiefs takes place Sunday at 2:00 p.m. with right-hander José López (0-2, 8.68) going for the Bats and right-hander César Vargas (0-1, 1.80) expected to start for the Chiefs.