Yorke Homers as Indians Sink Columbus for Sixth Straight Win

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nick Yorke homered and reached base three times as the Indianapolis Indians surged to a sixth consecutive victory with a 7-2 triumph over the Columbus Clippers on Tuesday night at Huntington Park.

Yorke proved to be the key performer for Indianapolis (41-28), but a two-run fourth inning was decisive in the victory. With the game tied at two, Ronny Simon lined a double into the left-field corner to plate Shawn Ross and Alika WIlliams. The smash put the Indians ahead for good.

The teams traded two-run frames early in the contest. Yorke worked a walk in the top of the first inning and scored on a double by Jack Suwinski. BIlly Cook’s first of three hits on the night advanced Suwinski home, and the Indians led 2-0. That lead was erased when Columbus (30-37) plated a pair in the bottom of the third. An error allowed the first run to score, and a single by Chase DeLauter tied the game.

After they regained the lead with the rally in the fourth, the Indians would add to their advantage. A sacrifice fly by Williams advanced the lead to 5-2 in the sixth, and Yorke provided the knockout punch in the eighth. With Williams aboard via a single, Yorke pulled his fourth home run of the season down the left-field line to extend the Indians lead and give the game its final margin.

Bubba Chandler started the game for Indy and received a no-decision. He conceded a pair of runs over four innings. Ryder Ryan (4-1) fired scoreless frames in the fifth and sixth to earn the win.

Columbus starter Doug Nikhazy (3-4) took the loss. He allowed four runs in five innings pitched.

Game two of the six-game set between the Indians and Clippers is slated for 7:05 pm on Wednesday night at Huntington Park. Top 100 prospect Hunter Barco (1-1, 4.33) will take the mound for Indy as he looks for a second straight victory. He’ll be opposed by Columbus’ Parker Messick (3-2, 2.83).