The Indianapolis Indians carried their momentum from Saturday night’s 14-5 victory into Sunday afternoon’s series finale against the Rochester Red Wings.
Backed by a solid performance by the rehabbing Gerrit Cole, the Indians cruised to a 10-0 win. After his last start in Indianapolis against the Toledo Mud Hens didn’t go as planned, it was a good sign to see him in command of his pitches. He was so in control that he pitched six scoreless innings with only one hit. He struck out three and walked none.
Cole was lucky enough to finally have the tuned in offense on his side on Sunday afternoon. The Tribe scored early and often as they pulled ahead to a 10-0 lead.
Tony Sanchez reached base in all five of his plate appearances (3-for-3, 2 BB, 3 R). Chase d’Arnaud scored two runs and drove in another. Andrew Lambo was 2-for-5 with one run scored. Mel Rojas, was just a home run shy of the cycle on Sunday, following being just shy of the cycle by missing the triple on Saturday night. He went 3-for-4 with a walk, double, triple, two runs scored and three batted in.
The Indians offense got to former Indians Pitcher of the Year Kris Johnson early with seven runs coming while he was on the mound. Only three of them were earned, but he did not make it beyond the third inning as he earned his sixth loss of the season.
Matt Hague started the game playing first base, but then moved to right field when Chris McGuiness came in to pinch hit for Jaff Decker. This was the first time that Hague has ever played the outfield – in his career! No surprise here, but the Indians’ captain took to the position as if he had been playing it for his whole career and chased down a hit for an over the shoulder catch.
The Indians’ used Vin Mazzaro and Brandon Cumpton in relief, who combined for four hits in three innings, but no runs were scored as they joined with Cole for the shut out.
The Tribe has an off day on Monday, but will be back in action – in Toledo – on Tuesday. They will play three games there before traveling to Louisville for two games before turning around and hosting the Louisville Bats for four games at home.
Indians’ Player of the Game:
Gerrit Cole
Even if the Tribe offense hadn’t been so dominate, Cole’s performance would have kept the Indians in the game. His final line was six innings pitched, one hit, no runs, no walks, three strikeouts. He threw 73 pitches, 49 of which were for strikes. It is very likely that he will not be in Indy for another start and will be making the trip to rejoin the Pittsburgh Pirates sooner rather than later.
Final Box Score:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Wings | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | |
| Indians | 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | X | 10 | 15 | 0 |
Winning Pitcher: Cole (2-1, 2.93 ERA)
Losing Pitcher: Johnson (9-6, 3.28 ERA)
Author’s Note:
This content was originally published on the Indiana Sports Report website.
