Indians win Triple-A crown

Victoria Sun

Friday, Sept. 22, 2000 | 9:33 a.m.

For most of the year, the Indianapolis Indians have relied on starting pitcher Horacio Estrada and closer Bob Skanlan to shut down opposing teams.

They did just that on a windy Thursday night with a championship caliber performance backed by offensive production from some unlikely contributors to capture the Triple-A World Series title.

The Indians crushed the Memphis Redbirds 9-2 before an announced crowd of 1,999 at Cashman Field to win the best-of-five series, 3-1.

Indianapolis manager Steve Smith, who managed the Las Vegas Stars in 1988 and 1989, avoided being doused with gallons of ice water by some of his players but could not escape a champagne bath.

"It's a great feeling when you try to accomplish something all year and you do it," he said.

"Not just winning the World Series, but all of these guys have improved so much. The veterans have blended in with the younger guys and they deserve this win."

After surrendering a two-run homer in the first inning, Estrada battled the entire game. He allowed four hits, walked five and struck out three in eight innings.

It was vintage Estrada in the seventh inning when he pitched himself out of a bases-loaded jam to protect the Indians' 4-2 lead.

"They got up two runs, then Horacio shut them down," said Damon Hollins, who was 2-for-4 with three RBIs. "He gave us a chance to win and that's what we needed."

Scanlan, who led the International League with a team-record 35 saves, pitched a scoreless ninth.

Indianapolis left fielder Brad Tyler contributed big in the sixth inning to give the Indians the lead. His one-out triple scored Jose Fernandez, then Tyler scored on Hollins' single up the middle for a 4-2 lead.

Trailing 2-0, the Indians answered with two runs in the fourth inning to tie the game.

First baseman Kurt Bierek led off with a single, then advanced to second on Fernandez's single up the middle. With two outs, Hollins delivered a line-drive double up the left-field line scoring Bierek and Fernandez.

Indianapolis shortstop Santiago Perez won the MVP award. He was 6-for-13 with four RBIs, a double and two home runs.