The Indianapolis Indians were unable to battle back on Wednesday night as the Louisville Bats handed the Tribe their second straight loss by a score of 7-3.

Chris Dickerson led the game off with a home run, but the Bats answered immediately with a leadoff home run of their own in the bottom half of the inning.

The Bats pulled away with the game in the bottom of the fourth when starter Jeff Locke gave up a grand slam. Locke’s first start of the season ended after five innings and five earned runs on five hits. He struck out four and walked two batters. It was the long ball that ended his night – giving up two home runs.

Brent Morel started what could have been an Indians rally by doubling in the top of the fifth to drive in a run, but nothing came of it. The Tribe scored another run in the top of the seventh when Gregory Polanco hit into a force out and sending a run home.

Polanco’s two streaks – reaching first safely in all 11 games and getting a hit in 10 consecutive games – ended on Wednesday night.

The Bats added two more runs in the bottom of the seventh when Zack Thornton gave up a two-run double. Vin Mazzaro ended the game on the mound for the Tribe.

Casey Sadler is the probable Indians’ starter for Thursday night’s matchup. First pitch is expected to be at 6:35 p.m. The Tribe has two more games against the Bats on the road before they host them this weekend for a three game series.

[symple_toggle title=”Writer’s Note”]This article was originally published on the Indy Sports Report website. The photo is courtesy of Indy Sports Report photographer Phil Taylor and accompanies the article on the website.[/symple_toggle]