After last night’s two games between the Indianapolis Indians and the Columbus Clippers, Friday night featured only one game at Victory Field.
And guess what the promotion was? Star Wars night, plus the typical Friday night fireworks. Here’s how the Indians’ twitter advertised for the game:
Yoda says, “Star Wars Night, it is. Friday Fireworks, there will be.” http://t.co/vQs4Umop1Jhttp://t.co/hsihkHVd5ppic.twitter.com/4wDhbmx4At
— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) July 11, 2014
You probably even read that and as you were doing so could hear Yoda’s voice in your head.
Even better than Star Wars night – the Friday night game was sold out.
Total attendance: 15,066
That’s the largest crowd at Victory Field since September 2009. Not only that, but Friday night marked Victory Field’s 18th birthday. And as part of the pregame ceremonies, the crowd sang “Happy Birthday.” It’s not everyday you sing happy birthday to a building. The Indians like to keep things fun.
Also during the pregame ceremonies, Darth Vader threw out the first pitch. Did you know he is a lefty? Check out the video for proof.
The only thing that would have been better would have been an Indian’s victory. They drop game three against the Clippers, 5-4, after a late rally.
Adam Wilk was coming off his first ever career complete game shutout and didn’t have the same command as he did against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on July 6. He gave up one run in the first and two in the third and two in the fifth. Even though he gave up five runs, he struck out eight batters in seven innings for his eighth loss of the season.
The Tribe’s offense was led by Tony Sanchez, who was 4-for-4 with three doubles and an RBI. The Tribe scored one run in the first, to keep the game tied before the Clippers ran away with the game in the middle innings.
It wasn’t until the bottom of the eighth that the Indians picked it up and scored two runs and then tacked on another in the ninth. There was a great chance for a walk off with two men on – one of which was the tying run and at third base – and only one out in the ninth, but a double play ended the game. Even though the Tribe lost, they outhit the Clippers 13-9.
Even with the Indians’ loss the crowd stayed for the fireworks show, which occurred to a soundtrack of Star Wars music to fit with the theme of the night.
The next Indians’ game is Saturday starting at 6:05 p.m. It is the first of two games as part of a doubleheader.
It will be the second doubleheader in three days and the fourth and fifth games between the two teams. Saturday’s promotion is a Signature Saturday with Bill Buckner signing autographs before game one.
Indians’ Player of the Game:
Tony Sanchez
The Tribe’s catcher was 4-for-4 with three doubles and led the Tribe’s offense. His teammates Chris McGuiness and Robert Andino both also had multi-hit performances on Friday night, but Sanchez was the Tribe’s offensive front runner.
Final Box Score
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clippers | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 1 | |
| Indians | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 2 |
Winning Pitcher: Gabriel Arias (3-2, 4.64)
Losing Pitcher: Wilk (7-8, 4.33)
Save: J.C. Ramirez (1)
Author’s Note
This content was originally published on the Indiana Sports Report website.