It took two big innings for the Indianapolis Indians to earn their 10th victory of the season, as they beat the Louisville Bats 6-2 on Thursday night.

The first inning was a score-fest. The Tribe scored three runs to start off the game, but the Bats answered with two of their own. The first five Tribe batters reached base, with Gregory Polanco and Brent Morel driving in runs. Jaff Decker, the sixth batter of the inning, was the first out, but he drove in a run on a sacrifice fly to left field.

The only runs given up by starter Casey Sadler were in first when Ruben Gotay hit a two-run home run. Sadler gave up four hits, one walk and struck out two on during his seven innings of work for his second win of the season.

In the top of the fourth with two men on base, Chris Dickerson reached on a fielding error and emptied the bases, putting the Tribe ahead 5-2. Dickerson came around to score a batter later when Michael Martinezsingled to center field.

Daniel Schlereth and Jared Hughes relieved Sadler and kept the Bats scoreless through the eighth and ninth innings. They combined for one hit, two walks and three strikeouts.

Friday night’s matchup against the Bats will start at 6:35 p.m. with Brandon Cumpton on the mound for the Tribe. The Indians will return to Indianapolis on Saturday to host Louisville for three games.

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