Indians take Shortened, Snowy Showdown versus Chiefs

Story and photo by Corey Crisan

Syracuse, N.Y. – The Indianapolis Indians and Syracuse Chiefs were supposed to play two games in a traditional doubleheader on Tuesday. Mother Nature only permitted the teams to play one. The doubleheader originated from Monday’s canceled game between the two teams.

A 4:05 first pitch resulted in a 4-2 Indians victory in seven innings. Minor League Baseball rules mandate seven-inning games when a doubleheader is scheduled. The first game ended in just an hour and 59 minutes but adding onto that is a 20-minute snow delay from the top of the fourth inning.

Lord(s) of the Manor

In a 39-degree and snowy first pitch, the Indians and Chiefs did the bulk of their scoring early. The Indians struck within the first three batters of the game. Indians leadoff and No. 2 hitters Kevin Newman and Kevin Kramer hit back-to-back singles to start the game. Top Pittsburgh Pirates prospect and Indians center fielder Austin Meadows hit a cue-shot double down the third base line to score both Newman and Kramer, giving the Indians a 2-0 lead after one inning. 

The Chiefs went silent in the first inning but got both runs back in the second. Alejandro De Aza and Spencer Kieboom stroked back-to-back doubles to cut the Indians lead to 2-1. After Michael Almanzar grounded out, Chiefs starting pitcher Cesar Vargas singled to right field to tie the game at 2-2 after two innings.

“Kieboom hit the ball well in Spring Training,” Chiefs manager Randy Knorr said after the game. “He’s relaxed. I think he understands who he is as a hitter now. A lot of young hitters, as they come up, they think they’re power guys. He’s worked the whole field now, and he’s looked great at the plate.” 

No Soup for Syracuse

The Indians responded right away in the top of the third. Meadows drew a two-out walk, and Indians third baseman Jose Osuna brought him in with a double to the right-center field wall. Meadows was running on the pitch and scored all the way from first base to give the Indians a 3-2 lead. That’s all Indianapolis would need as starting pitcher Nick Kingham and closer Johnny Hellwig limited Syracuse to just three baserunners from that point forward.

Indianapolis added insurance in the sixth inning. Former Pirates outfielder Jordan Luplow tripled to the right field corner with one out in the inning. Catcher Jacob Stallings followed with a single to score Luplow and give Indianapolis a 4-2 lead that would last until the end.

You Better be Careful on Those Rocks Tomorrow, Buddy

The Chiefs and Indians have moved the second game from Tuesday to Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday’s game was originally scheduled for a 10:35 a.m. first pitch for a promotional Education Day, where ticket discounts are offered to schools bringing students for a field trip. The second game from Tuesday is scheduled as the second half of a traditional doubleheader on Wednesday, beginning at 10:30 a.m. as scheduled.