Indianapolis Spoils Return of Curtis Granderson
Moosic, Pa. - Despite the addition of the rehabbing Curtis Granderson, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders' (Triple-A/New York Yankees) offensive woes at home continued as they fell on Thursday night in 11 innings to the Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates), 2-1.
Granderson started in right field, and batted second for the RailRiders. He reached on a fielder's choice in the first inning and grounded out to second in the third, but recorded his first hit of the 2013 season in the sixth. He hit a fastball from Indianapolis starter Gerrit Cole up the middle into center field. Second baseman Ivan DeJesus, Jr. made a diving stop, but did not have a chance to throw out the speedy Granderson, who legged out the infield hit.
The RailRiders struck first with a run in the fourth. With one out, Ronnier Mustelier singled to center field. He then stole second and advanced to third when Dan Johnson grounded out to second. David Adams came through with two outs, as he singled through the left side to plate Mustelier.
The Indians quickly tied the ballgame in the top of the fifth. With one out, Brett Carroll homered off of SWB starter Caleb Cotham.
Both pitching staffs settled into a groove after the fifth and the game remained tied at one after nine innings of play. The RailRiders loaded the bases with just one out, but Erik Cordier recorded a strikeout and groundout to end the threat and send the game to the 11th inning.
A pair of doubles helped Indianapolis secure the lead in the 11th. With one out, Jerry Sands doubled to right field. Mustelier almost reached the ball, but it went off the tip of his glove near the warning track. Tony Sanchez followed with a double down the left-field line, and Sands came around to score what proved to be the winning run.
Cole did not factor into the decision, but was very effective for Indianapolis. He allowed just one run over seven innings, struck out five, and issued just two walks. Cordier (1-0) received the win in relief, and Vic Black pitched a scoreless 11th frame for his ninth save of the season.
Cotham, who was making his Triple-A debut, was impressive in a no-decision. He worked four and two-thirds innings, and struck out five batters. His only blemish was the Carroll home run in the fifth. Kelvin Perez (0-1) allowed the run in the 11th, and was handed the loss.
The RailRiders will remain home as they welcome the Gwinnett Braves to PNC Field on Friday night. Chris Bootcheck (4-0, 0.60) will put his International League-best earned run average on the line for SWB. It will be the first of 20 televised games this season on My Network TV. A fireworks show presented by Jack Williams Tire will follow the contest, and the RailRiders will pay tribute to "The Office" all night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
- All Aboard -