Brandon Williamson made his second start of the season for the Louisville Bats, the Cincinnati Reds Triple-A affiliate, and was the losing pitcher in a 5-3 loss to the Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates at Louisville Slugger Field.
The 2016 Martin County West graduate pitched four and one-third innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on five hits, walking five and striking out three. He threw 88 pitches, 46 for strikes. Indianapolis led 3-0 when Williamson left the game.
His five walks equal his career high at the Triple-A level. It’s the third time he’s done that, with the most recent being on Aug. 22 of last season at Iowa.
The left-hander made this play to get out of the second inning:
It was Williamson’s first decision of the season. In two starts, he has allowed seven runs (five earned) on 11 hits, walked seven and struck out five.
Starting at first base for the Bats was former National League MVP, and six-time big league All-Star Joey Votto, who is on a rehab assignment from the parent Reds as tries to get back to the majors after August surgery to repair tears in both his rotator cup and biceps.
Votto has played in five of Louisville’s seven games and is hitting .150 (3-20) with one home run. He has also walked three times and has struck out 12 times after fanning twice more on Friday night.
The Bats host Indianapolis on Saturday and Sunday and go to Toledo for six vs. the Mud Hens, an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
After a six-game home series vs. the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox), Louisville will be in Des Moines April 25-30 for six games vs. the Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs).