Bats Shut Out Indians, 5-0

LOUISVILLE, KY. – The Louisville Bats took a 2-0 series lead after shutting out the Indianapolis Indians on Wednesday night, 5-0. The Indians were last shut out on May 28 at Omaha.

Louisville (16-27) took an early lead with a two-run triple to right field from Logan Morrison to drive in Alejo Lopez and Narciso Crook. The Bats scored one more in the first frame with a sacrifice fly from Alfredo Rodriguez to take the 3-0 lead. That’s all it took for the Bats to seal the win as Louisville’s pitching shut down Indy’s offense.

The Bats tacked on another run in the third inning with a single from Rodriguez to score Crook and extend their lead to 4-0.

The Indians (23-20) threatened in the top of the fourth inning by loading the bases with singles from Cole Tucker and Will Craig and a walk to Christian Bethancourt but Hunter Greene (W, 1-1) retired the next batter and stranded the runners.

Relief pitcher Blake Weiman entered in the bottom of the sixth and gave up an RBI single from Mallex Smith which sealed Louisville’s lead at 5-0.

Cody Ponce (L, 0-3) took the loss allowing four runs on eight hits in five innings of work. Greene earned the win for the Bats throwing five scoreless innings with six strikeouts.

T.J. Rivera recorded two of Indy’s six hits of the night including his fourth double of the season.

The Indians and Bats face off again on Thursday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 PM at Louisville Slugger Field. RHP Max Kranick (1-2, 4.66) will take the mound for the Indians while RHP Sonny Gray will make his first rehab appearance in a piggyback start with RHP Michael Mariot (0-1, 1.64).