Sweeney shines in Indy

Brian Sweeney shut out the Indians for six innings, helping the Bisons to a 5-1 win in Indianapolis Thursday.

Sweeney allowed just one run, a solo homer by John Bowker in the seventh inning. He left after that inning, allowing four hits and striking out four with no walks. After three starts with Buffalo, Sweeney is 1-2.

Valentino Pascuccui went 2-for-2 with three walks and three RBI, including a two-run double in the first inning off of Indians starter Sean Gallagher.

In the third, Gallagher allowed a double to Luis Figueroa before an RBI single by Michael Fisher. The pitcher loaded the bases, walking Pascucci and hitting Herd catcher Mike Nickeas in the wrist.

Raul Chavez then replaced Nickeas at first and caught the final seven innings.

Gallagher avoided major harm in the third, getting Jesus Feliciano to ground into an inning-ending double play.

Fisher, who went 4-for-5 with two runs, added his second RBI of the day with a solo shot off of Gallagher in the fifth.

Gallagher left after five, allowing four runs (all earned) on eight hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

Sweeney helped his own cause with a sixth-inning double off of reliever Dan Meyer, but was caught in a rundown when Figueroa grounded out to end the inning.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis went 2-for-4, scoring twice. After Pascucci scored Nieuwenhuis in the seventh, the Bisons again left the bases loaded, but held on for the victory with relievers Dale Thayer and Justin Hampson shutting out the eighth and ninth, respectively.

Pascucci now has 19 RBI on the season, passing Ruben Tejada for the team lead. The Bisons are 2-2 in morning starts.

The Bisons close their eight-game road trip Friday night in Indianapolis, looking for a win to salvage a split with the Indians.