Finally it is here. The annual passage to spring otherwise known as baseball, and opening night at Victory Field could not of come sooner for those faithful in attendance.
The Indians struck first with back-to-back triples in the first inning, courtesy of Andrew McCutchen and Brian Bixler, and looked to be on their way to surging ahead of the Mud Hens.
A sacrifice fly by Jeff Salazar then put the Tribe up 2-0 to start the game in a grand fashion. But Toledo would strike back quickly in the top of the second with four runs and would score eleven more times over the next four frames, to spoil the managerial debut of Indians skipper Frank Kremblas and hand Indianapolis a opening night loss by the score of 16-5.
The two teams continue their four game series tonight at Victory field with a scheduled first pitch of 7:15 p.m. Tickets for what is arguably the best sports value in town, are still available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Victory Field box office.
Notes: Andy Phillips connected for the first Indians home run of the year in the sixth inning. Indians Manager Frank Kremblas enjoyed a homecoming of sorts in his managerial debut with the Indians, after playing for the Tribe in 1993 through 1996.
Showing they leave no promotional stone left unturned, the Indians offered a guaranteed 60-degree temperature at the first pitch last night and came in just one degree short at 59 degrees.
As a result, the 8,973 in attendance received a free ticket for a future Indians game. This is the third straight year the club has ran this promotion and further demonstrates the creativity and commitment of their marketing department. Fans also enjoyed a great fireworks show after the game and all in attendance indeed went away happy.
Victory Field is an excellent family venue, and if you have not experienced it before, you are in for a treat, as it is one of the best ballparks in the country. In these economic times, Indians Baseball is a great value for the dollar. Check it out soon.
More details on specially priced tickets and promotional nights can be found at www.indyindians.com
Thanks to Indians Media Relations Manager Brian Bosma for making the Indianapolis Recorder and me feel right at home.
Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
