PawSox Fall 6-2 in Rain Shortened Game

Indianapolis, IN - The International League's leading hitter Gregory Polanco went 4-for-4 and drove home three of the six runs scored by Indianapolis in the first two innings as the Indians topped the Pawtucket Red Sox, 6-2, Tuesday night in a rain-shortened game in the opener of a four-game series at Victory Field. 

The game, which was played during a steady rain for parts of the night, was called after 5 ½ innings following a 48 minute rain delay. Indianapolis scored three runs in the first inning and three more in the second against Pawtucket starter Rubby De La Rosa (2-3).

Indians starter Brandon Cumpton (3-1) pitched a rain-shortened complete game and earned his third victory of the season. Pawtucket scored single runs in the third and fourth innings against Cumpton, who danced around seven hits and four walks in his six innings. Pawtucket hit into three groundball double plays in six innings.

Polanco's RBI double in the first opened the scoring following back-to-back infield singles by Chris Dickerson and Robert Andino. One out later Matt Hague blooped an RBI single to left to double the lead. Later in the inning Nevin Ashley drove home the third run on a ground ball to third base that made the score 3-0.

After Dickerson (single) and Andino (walk) each reached again to begin the second inning, Polanco drilled a two-run triple into the gap in right center that made the score 5-0. Polanco, 22, leads the IL in batting average, RBIs, hits, extra-base hits, runs scored, triples and stolen bases.

Hague picked up his second RBI and drove home the sixth run of the game on a ground ball to shortstop. De La Rosa, who pitched a scoreless third inning, allowed six runs, all earned, on six hits and four walks in three innings of work.

Brock Holt returned to the lineup for Pawtucket after missing the final three games in Louisville with an illness and went 2-for-3 including an RBI single. Christian Vazquez also collected a pair of the PawSox's seven hits.

Game two of the series is slated for a 1:35 pm first pitch on Wednesday afternoon. Right-hander Allen Webster (2-1, 2.45) will get the ball for manager Kevin Boles, while righty Casey Sadler (3-1, 2.56), just sent back from the Pittsburgh Pirates, is expected to start for the Indians. Radio coverage on 920 AM (WHJJ) and also streaming online begins at 1:20 pm.

Following the road trip the PawSox return to McCoy Stadium for a four-game series against Scranton from May 17th through May 20th. Good seats are still available at the McCoy Stadium box office, by calling (401) 724-7300 or by visiting pawsox.com.