Indians Win Rain-Shortened Game Over Tides, Complete Sweep

INDIANAPOLIS - Tribe starter Tyler Eppler nearly went the distance as the Indians won a rain-shortened series finale over Norfolk in six innings, 4-3, on Thursday. Eppler improved to 11-1 all-time at Victory Field while Indy won for the 14th time in its last 18 games.

The Indians (39-31) sprayed four of their seven hits for doubles in the win. The Tribe, who lead professional baseball with 180 two-baggers this season, used a Wyatt Mathisen RBI double in the second to go up 1-0.
Two innings later, Kevin Kramer and Max Moroff smashed doubles off Jimmy Yacabonis (L, 3-2) to push Indy's lead to 2-0. Pablo Reyes added a two-out, run-scoring single on an 0-1 pitch to cap the frame.
Indy scored the decisive fourth run in its final at-bat. Christopher Bostick singled, took second on a wild pitch and was on the front end of a double steal with Jordan Luplow. Kramer then brought Bostick home on a chopper to second base, with Indy's center fielder sliding across home plate just ahead of the tag.
With storms approaching The Vic, Norfolk (36-33) rallied for three runs against Eppler (W, 7-3) in the sixth but failed to complete the comeback. Cedric Mullins hit a two-run blast and Drew Dosch poked an RBI single to left, but Jesus Liranzo (S,1) cleaned up the mess with a three-pitch strikeout of Chance Sisco.
The Indians have won 11 of their last 13 games against Norfolk, winning the season series this year, 5-1. Indy won six of seven last year against the Tides.
Indy's three-game sweep was its second of the season.
The Indians continue their six-game homestand as the IL South-leading Durham Bulls come to the Circle City on Friday night. Right-hander Alex McRae (2-6, 5.13) will oppose Durham righty Andrew Moore (1-2, 3.27). First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. ET.