The Louisville Bats are one week into the 2021 season; and just finished their first series. Unfortunately, it did not go as the team would have liked. Louisville is 1-4 entering the second week of the season. Their sole win came in the third game of the series against Columbus. Despite this, there were a few bright spots in their opening week.
Opening Week woes
The Bats dropped the series opener 6-3 against the Clippers. Outfielder Scott Heineman hit the first home run of the season in the first inning off Kirk McCarty. But a five-run first inning for the Clippers was too much for the Bats to overcome.
No. 9 prospect Tony Santillan (Baseball America) pitched well in game two. He struck out seven, surrendered only three hits and one unearned run in four innings. The Bats ultimately lost 2-1.
Everything came together for Louisville in game three. The Bats won 9-0 on a seven-run second and two-run fourth. Vladimir Gutierrez pitched six shutout innings and Heineman drove in three runs.
Louisville dropped game four 10-0 and game five 6-3. The finale was postponed due to rain on Sunday.
Bats shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez had a great first week. He had an OPS of 1.172 and went 5 for 12 at the plate. Heineman led the team with four RBIs and a Slugging percentage of .588, and center fielder Mark Payton collected seven hits out of 20 at bats in the series.
The Bats go down to Georgia
Beginning Tuesday, the Louisville Bats begin a long two-week road trip starting in Gwinnett. The Bats open the series against the Stripers at 7:05 Tuesday. It will be a tough series, however. Gwinnett is tied for the lead in the Triple-A East Southeast division. The stripers went 5-1 against the Charlotte Knights in their opening series. Stripers shortstop raked five home-runs and right fielder Abraham Almonte drove in 11 runs against Charlotte.
Louisville returns to Slugger Field on Tuesday, May 25th.
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