Early Offense Powers Indians to Ending Two-Game Skid in Toledo, 6-5

TOLEDO, Ohio – The Indianapolis Indians scored five runs in the first three innings and staved off a late comeback attempt to snap a two-game losing streak to the Toledo Mud Hens on Friday night at Fifth Third Field, 6-5.

After the Mud Hens (48-47) opened scoring in the bottom of the first against Indians starter Miguel Yajure with an RBI single from third baseman Josh Lester, Indianapolis (45-49) wasted no time responding. The Indians tagged Toledo starter Elvin Rodriguez (L, 4-3) for four hits in a two-run second inning, including an RBI double to right center field from first baseman Mason Martin and a run-scoring single from left fielder Jared Oliva. Martin, right fielder Travis Swaggerty, and shortstop Rodolfo Castro all doubled in their first plate appearance against Rodriguez.

The Indians tacked on three more runs in the third to extend their lead to 5-1 with a bases loaded walk drawn by Martin, an RBI single from first baseman Taylor Davis, and a sacrifice fly from second baseman Tucupita Marcano. Toledo crept within two after a two-run fifth inning, but Davis added insurance with another RBI single in the eighth.

Toledo made things more than interesting in the bottom of the ninth. An RBI single and a wild pitch plated two for the Mud Hens in their final at-bats, but Indians right-hander Austin Brice (S, 6) stranded the winning run in scoring position by striking out Toledo shortstop Brendon Davis to end it.

After Yajure went four innings as the starting pitcher, the Indians bullpen finished the job effectively. Left-hander Eric Stout dropped his ERA with the Indians below 1.00 by striking out two men with the bases loaded, including former top overall pick Spencer Torkelson, to end the fifth inning. Newly-acquired right-handers Yohan Ramirez (W, 2-0) and Colin Holderman each threw a scoreless inning in relief.

With a soft line drive to the opposite field in the second inning, Marcano extended his hitting streak to eight games. He reached base twice in the winning effort, while Swaggerty, Martin, and Davis reached three times. Center fielder Jack Suwinski, celebrating his 24th birthday, had a multi-hit night with two infield singles.

The Indians and Mud Hens continue their six-game series on Saturday night at 7:05 PM from Fifth Third Field. RHP Mike Burrows (0-2, 6.33) makes his second start for the Indians since returning from the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, opposing Toledo RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez (2-2, 3.44).