Grand Slam Caps Eight-Run Rout for Indy

INDIANAPOLIS – Bligh Madris capped off an eight-run Indianapolis Indians sixth inning with his second career grand slam on Sunday afternoon to beat the Omaha Storm Chasers, 12-5.

Facing a 5-3 deficit through five, the Indians offense opened up in the bottom of the sixth to take a lead, and then some, against the Triple-A East Midwest Division leaders. The first 10 batters of the frame reached base safely on five hits, four walks and a fielders choice. Chris Sharpe kicked off the scoring with an RBI double, and Joe Hudson followed with a single to give the Indians a 6-5 lead.

With just one out as the ninth batter to come to the plate, Bligh Madris hit a fly ball just over the left-field fence for his first grand slam since Aug. 8, 2018 vs. High-A Clearwater. It was the second of his career and second for the Indians this season, following Hunter Owen on June 19 vs. Memphis.

Omaha (40-24) opened up the back-and-forth scoring contest with two runs in the top of the first inning following back-to-back leadoff walks. The lead didn’t last long, however, and a pop up lost in the sun by shortstop Lucius Fox plated a pair of Indians runs in the second inning to tie the game.

With a 1-2 count and two outs in the third inning, Kyle Isbel homered off Mitch Keller to cap off a three-run inning by the Storm Chasers and take a 5-2 lead. The Indians cut into the lead with one run in the bottom half.

Indianapolis (32-32) doubled its hit total with four base-knocks off Grant Gavin (L, 3-1), in the bottom of the sixth inning. He recorded just one out and was charged with five of the eight runs.

Braeden Ogle (W, 2-2) pitched a scoreless inning to earn the win and combined with Matt Eckelman, Tanner Anderson and Shea Spitzbarth for a shutout bullpen effort to end the game.

The Indians continue their 12-game homestand on Tuesday night as the Toledo Mud Hens return to Victory Field. Following that first series from May 11-16, the Indians have a 5-1 lead over the Mud Hens this season. Neither team has named starters for the upcoming week.