Louisville Holds Off Late Rally to Top Tribe

LOUISVILLE, KY. - The Louisville Bats received a strong spot start from Zach Neal and scored just enough on Monday night as they topped the Indianapolis Indians, 3-1. It was the first of 20 matchups between the two teams this season.

While it was a bullpen day, Neal (2-0) gave Louisville five-shutout innings in his spot start and earned the victory. Tribe starter Austin Coley (1-2) allowed just two runs, one earned, in his five innings but was handed the loss.
Louisville (10-17) unlocked the draw with a pair of runs in the fifth inning. Gabby Guerrero led off the frame with a double, and Steve Selsky followed with a walk. With runners at the corners, Tony Cruz grounded a ball to second baseman Kevin Newman, but it went under him and into right field. The second run crossed later in the inning on Blake Trahan's single.
The Indians (14-14) cut the lead in half with a run in the sixth. Kevin Kramer opened the inning with a single, and Jordan Luplow followed with a single of his own. Jacob Stallings then grounded into a double play to plate Kramer.
A ninth-inning rally was thwarted by Kevin Quackenbush and sealed Louisville's win. Erich Weiss began the frame with an infield single, and one out later Pablo Reyes singled into right field. Quackenbush then recorded a strikeout and a groundout to hang on for the save.
Indy will look to avenge the series-opening loss on Tuesday night. First pitch is set for 6:30. The team returns to Victory Field for a weekend series against Columbus on Friday. To purchase tickets for any Indians home game, contact the Victory Field Box Office at 317-269-2282 or [email protected]. For more on the Tribe, visit IndyIndians.com.