The Pirates’ two runs came in the top of the 3rd. SS Josh Rodriguez led off with a single through the hole into left field, and a fielding error put 2B Pedro Ciriaco on base. P Brad Lincoln grounded to third, forcing Ciriaco out at second, but leaving runners on the corners. CF Corey Wimberly‘s ground out plated Rodriguez, and a big double into center field by LF John Bowker brought in Lincoln. Lincoln gave up the Phillies’ first run in the bottom of that inning, on a walk, a sacrifice bunt, a ground out, and an RBI double.
A very nice play, which should earn points for RF Steve Pearce and Ciriaco: in the top of the 1st, Lincoln walked the lead-off batter, Jimmy Rollins. After two fly outs, Ryan Howard doubled into right field. Pearce got the ball in to the infield quickly, and cut-off man Ciriaco relayed the ball to the plate in time for C Ryan Doumit to tag out Rollins and keep the run from scoring.
Scary moment: Lincoln was hit on the right arm just below the elbow by a ball off the bat of Rollins in the 3rd. The ball dropped to the ground, and Lincoln fielded it for the ground out, but then left the game. He’s bruised, but it will take a day or two to fully assess the damage.
Also getting into the game: CF Starling Marte, LF Evan Chamber, C Wyatt Toregas (singled in the top of the 9th), RF Cole White, SS Jordy Mercer, 3B/1B Josh Fields. Chris Resop finished up the 3rd inning after Lincoln was hit, then pitched 2 scoreless innings. Jose Veras allowed 2 hits in 2 scoreless innings, and Mike Crotta pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the 8th.
Indianapolis Indians 8, Las Vegas 51’s 3
OF Miles Durham proved he was ok after crashing into the outfield wall yesterday by knocking 3 hits today as the Indians ran over the 51’s (Blue Jays) this afternoon in Dunedin, FL. OF Andrew Lambo got the Tribe started with a 2-RBI double in the 4th inning, and INF Matt Hague added another 2-run double in the 6th. Four more runs came across the plate in the last two innings. INF Shelby Ford also had 3 hits for the Indians. Lambo and C Tony Sanchez had two hits each, and Sanchez reached base two more times on a walk and by being hit by a pitch. Starting pitcher Aaron Thompson pitched 4 innings and allowed one run on 4 hits. Mike Colla pitched 2 perfect innings, and Mike Williams earned the win with one scoreless inning.
