Pirates Prospect Watch: Indianapolis Infielders Dominate

The Pirates Triple-A affiliate tied their series with the Memphis Redbirds on Thursday, as the Indianapolis Indians won 7-5 behind a balanced offensive performance. Each Indianapolis batter reached base at least once, and Malcom Nuñez continued his hot streak at the plate with a pair of doubles.

Starting pitcher Michael Plassmeyer pitched five innings of one run ball to get the club off to a hot start after a rain delay pushed the first pitch back by nearly 90 minutes. Reliever Wily Peralta allowed four runs in the ninth inning, enough to give the Indians a legitimate scare, but Geronimo Franzua entered to close out the game, inducing a fly out from former Pirate Alfonso Rivas.

Here’s a look at the Indians’ top performers on Thursday night.

Triple-A Indianapolis (2-3)

• 3B Malcom Nuñez: 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI
• LHP Michael Plassmeyer: 5 IP, 8 K’s
• INF Nick Gonzales: 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI
• 1B Jake Lamb: 3-for-4 with a walk

The rest of the Pirates’ minor league affiliates begin their seasons today, with the Altoona Curve heading to Akron to face the Rubber Ducks; the Greensboro Grasshoppers hosting the Greenville Drive, and the Bradenton Marauders hosting the Clearwater Threshers.