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Toledo Mud Hens

Justin Verlander Makes 2015 Debut at Victory Field

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Justin Verlander made his 2015 regular-season debut for the Toledo Mud Hens on his way back from a triceps injury, and the 2011 American League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young winner worked into the third inning and allowed three runs before exiting the game. The Indianapolis Indians held a 3-2 advantage at the time, but the Mud Hens would plate four runs in both the fifth and sixth innings on the way to an 11-6 victory.

All three runs charged to Verlander were earned and he threw 79 pitches. It was the first Triple-A appearance for the six-time AL All-Star, who went straight from Double-A to the Tigers in 2005. The win gave Toledo (21-29) a series split with the Tribe (30-21).

Toledo used a pair of four-run frames to take the lead and provide some distance between themselves and the Indians. Mike Hessman clubbed a three-run home run in the fifth as part of a three-hit day for the veteran.

The Tribe mounted a rally in the ninth by plating three runs, but it was not enough. Five different Indianapolis players recorded multi-hit games. Casey Sadler (4-3) took the loss for the Tribe while Rafael Dolis (2-1) earned the victory for Toledo.

SOURCE: Indianapolis Indians

Indianapolis Indians 2012 Home Opener

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Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis was rocking Friday night for the Indianapolis Indians home opener against the Toledo Mud Hens in front of a record setting home opener crowd of 14,073.

Maybe it was the unusual warmth we’ve had this year so far that brought everyone out. Or maybe it was the downtown electricity still flowing from the Super Bowl. But you could feel the excitement in the air and the smell of burgers and brats reminded us that summer is arriving and it’s time for the greatest summer pastime.

One of the largest off-field talked about items was the new Indianapolis Indians Victory Lager brewed by Indianapolis based Sun King Brewing.  While I was unable to have any myself, as with any Sun King beer I’ve had, I have no doubt it’s good.

On the field there was no shortage of excitement either.  With a tied ballgame in the bottom of the ninth, based loaded, two outs, designated hitter Nick Evans (22) singled to bring in left fielder Gorkys Hernandez (7) for the winning run, giving the Indians a 3-2 victory and bring their season record to .500 at 4-4.  The victory went to reliever Daniel McCutchen (2.0 IP, 1 BB, 3 SO), who improved to 1-0 on the season.

Following the game we had our first Friday Night Fireworks of the season, which is always fun to stick around for.

The only downside to the evening, also 60-degree Guarantee Night, was the fact that it was 62-degrees at the first pitch, thus everyone in attendance didn’t get a free ticket to another April home game.  But is that really a downside? Not hardly! It was a fantastic evening at the Vic and we look forward to bringing you regular coverage of the team throughout the season.

The Tribe is home through next Friday, so check the April schedule and be sure to make it out to a game.

For your viewing pleasure, here are some of our top pictures of the evening, including the winning run, Naptown Baby Buzz, Mel McMahon interviewing John “My Car Doc” Cannon, Rowdie & the fireworks.