2008 Toledo Mud Hens Season Tracker

woohoo!

The Bisons scored their first runs in the bottom of the second. SS Danny Sandoval singled on a pop up toward second to score 3B Aaron Herr.

Buffalo continued its early scoring run in the third when it added two more runs to go up 3-0. 1B Jordan Brown doubled on a line drive to right to score both runs.

1B Jeff Larish had the first hit of the game for Toledo in the top of the fourth. Larish hit his third double of the year as he blasted a shot to the center field wall.

With one out in the sixth, Jordan Brown scored on a hit by DH Jason Cooper. Coming into Monday, Buffalo only had three home runs on the year. The Bisons had two in the sixth. Aaron Herr hit a two-run home run, followed by a Brad Snyder solo shot to right, his second of the year.

The Hens scored their first runs of the game in the eighth. LF Jackson Melian picked up the Hens’ second hit of the game, and DH Henry Mateo hit his first home run of the year to score two for the Hens. Mateo’s home run is the Hens’ 18th of the season - tops in the league.

Virgil Vasquez (1-1) threw 5.1 innings, giving up seven earned runs on 10 hits. Vasquez increased his strikeout total to 20 on the year – six Monday. Aaron Laffey (2-1) picked up the win for the Bisons. Laffey threw eight innings, striking out six and giving up only three hits.

Splits -- The Hens split the four game series with Buffalo. Toledo has not won a series in Buffalo since going 3-1 during the 2003 season.

Up Next -- Toledo heads to Lehigh Valley for a four game series starting Tuesday night. The Iron Pigs have yet to pick up their first win as a franchise (0-11).

--Eric Boye, Toledo Mud Hens

GO MUD HENS!


Maybe we should have a Mud Hens Smilie?

Right now we just have the logo

RATS...at least they won one!

The Hens scored their only runs in the top of the second when LF Jackson Melian went the opposite way with a home run to right that just cleared the fence.

Lehigh Valley tied the game up in the bottom of the second. C Jason Jaramillo scored from third on a failed inning-ending double play by Toledo. 2B Henry Mateo hit SS Derek Wathan clean at second, but failed to get the batter, CF Brandon Watson, at first.

The IronPigs went up 2-1 in the bottom of the third with a string of hits. With runners on first and second, 3B Brennan King doubled on a fly ball to center to score DH Mike Cervenak from second.

The IronPigs added their final two runs in the bottom of the seventh. LF Mike Spidale doubled to put runners on second and third for Lehigh Valley. 1B Andy Tracy singled on the next at bat to score CF Brandon Watson from third, and Spidale would later score on a 6-3 groundout.

Chasing Ullger -- 3B Mike Hessman has 230 career RBI with Toledo. The modern-era (1965-present) record is 233 RBI by Scott Ullger. Hessman was 1 for 4, but did not have an RBI in Tuesday’s game.

Long Ball -- The Hens hit their 19th home run of the season, with a home run Tuesday by LF Jackson Melian – his first of the year. Toledo leads the International League in this category.

First Time in Lehigh Valley -- This marked the first ever match up between the Mud Hens and the IronPigs. Tuesday’s win for the IronPigs gave them only their second of the year (2-11).

Eric Boye, Toledo Mud Hens

Iron PIGS?!?!? that's a new one for me!

It seeme our mighty Hens are backtracking a little bit here...

Quote :

First Time in Lehigh Valley -- This marked the first ever match up between the Mud Hens and the IronPigs.

New matchup of the old Ottawa Lynx.

FROM THE LEHIGH VALLEY WEBSITE:

Quote :

TEAM AND STADIUM HISTORY

2003:
Joseph Finley and Craig Stein begin actively pursuing the acquisition of a franchise to bring affiliated baseball to the Lehigh Valley.

July 2005:
The state of Pennsylvania approves the financial package needed to help build a stadium in the Lehigh Valley.

August 31, 2006:
The International League board of directors approves the partial sale of the Ottawa Lynx to Joseph Finley and Craig Stein, clearing the way for the team to be moved to a new ballpark in the Lehigh Valley in 2008.

September 6, 2006:
Team officials, local dignitaries and fans (along with the Phillie Phanatic) come together as ground is broken on a new, $48.4-million stadium that will serve as the home for the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, beginning in 2008.

November 13, 2006:
The Lehigh Valley franchise unveils their new moniker: The IronPigs. Other team names considered in the final vote were Phillies, Phanatics, Gobblers, Keystones, Crushers, Vulcans and Wood Chucks.

Toledo went up 2-0 in the top of the second on three straight hits. CF Brent Clevlen started with a single to center, and RF Matt Joyce followed up with another single to center. LF Jackson Melian hit his first double of the year to drive in both runners.

In the top of the third, with SS Derek Wathan on second, 3B Mike Hessman hit his second home run of the season.

The IronPigs answered right back in the third, scoring three runs. 1B Andy Tracy started the offense with a double to center. RF Valentino Pasucci singled to right to score Tracy from second. Mike Cervenak homered – first of the year – to add two more runs to the IronPig total.

Lehigh Valley added their fourth run of the game in the bottom of the fourth. Tracy singled to center to score LF Mike Spidale.

Toledo regained the lead in the fifth on a double by Clevlen to score DH Timo Perez from first.

Timo Perez added to the Toledo home run total – 20 on the year – with his first home run of the year to put the Hens up 6-4 in the seventh.

Andy Tracy was 4 for 5 for Lehigh Valley.

Breaking The Slump -- Brent Clevlen had only one hit in his previous sixteen at-bats. He was 2 for 4 with an RBI Wednesday.

Chasing Ullger -- Mike Hessman has 232 career RBI with Toledo. The modern-era (1965-present) record is 233 held by Scott Ullger (1982, 1984-86). He was 1 for 4 with 2 RBI Wednesday.

Long Ball -- The Mud Hens have 20 HR on the year – leading the International League. Timo Perez hit his first of the season in the top of the seventh Wednesday night.

Eric Boye, Toledo Mud Hens

Go Brent! He'll be back in Detroit soon!

RHP Chris Lambert's (1-1) dominant effort over a struggling team made it easy for the high-powered offense of Toledo. Pitching masterfully, Lambert earned a win for the ball club going seven strong innings while only allowing
one run.

1B Jeff Larish drove in SS Erick Almonte in the third with a single to make it 1-0. 2B Caonabe Cosme lifted the team to a 2-1 lead when he slugged a home run, his second of the year, in the fourth. Larish sent home another run when he doubled in Almonte for the second time and put the game out of reach with the score then 3-1. Iron Pigs starting LHP Travis Blackley (0-2) lasted only 4.2 innings after surrendering these quick three runs.

RHP Blaine Neal (5) earned the save after pitching the ninth, holding the score to 4-1.

Watching Hessman: 3B Mike Hessman remains only one, lone RBI behind Scott Ullger's 233 career in a Toledo uniform after going 0-5 in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Iron Pigs.

Still Swinging...: The Mud Hens are averaging 5.21 runs per game and their 73 total runs are the most runs scored in the I.L.

...For The Fences: Toledo hit yet another home run Thursday night when 2B Caonabe Cosme blasted his second of the year, raising the team total to a jaw-dropping, league leading 22 long balls on the season.

Happy Birthday: Former Hens outfielder and current Tiger Ryan Raburn celebrated his birthday Thursday. He appeared in Detroit's 11-1 loss to the Cleveland Indians going 0-1.

Leaders: Jeff Larish's doubles gives him a league leading 10 extra base hits. Blaine Neal's save also gives him a league leading 5.

~Philipp Levering, Toledo Mud Hens

Toledo struck in each of the first two innings with an RBI single by 1B Jeff Larish and an RBI single from C Nick Trzesniak.

The Mud Hens widened their lead with a three-run fourth inning that started with three straight extra-base hits (Brent Clevlen triple, Matt Joyce triple, and Jackson Melian double).

The visitors kept the offense churning along with a two-run sixth frame that included an RBI double from 3B Mike Hessman.

Matt Joyce walloped his 5th home run of the year in the seventh inning for a little more icing on the cake. The Hens held an 8-0 lead before the Pigs would tack on three late runs.

Starter Eddie Bonine (3-0) worked 8.0 strong innings for the win as he allowed just 6 hits, 1 earned run, 0 walks, and struck out 4.

A Grand Weekend: OF Curtis Granderson will be in Toledo on Saturday and Sunday to continue his rehab from a broken finger. Granderson went 2-4 on Friday night with Single-A West Michigan.

RBI Milestone For Hess: 3B Mike Hessman drove in his 233rd run as a Mud Hen. That RBI total ties Scott Ullger's 233 career in a Toledo uniform - a modern-era Toledo record.

Still Swinging...: The Mud Hens are averaging 5.40 runs per game and their 81 total runs are the most runs scored in the I.L.

...For The Fences: Toledo hit yet another home run Friday night when OF Matt Joyce blasted his fifth of the year, raising the team total to a jaw-dropping, league leading 23 long balls on the season.

Hens Return Home Saturday! APR 19, 2008

The Mud Hens return home on Saturday, April 19. Beginning Saturday, the Hens will be home 15 of the next 20 days, including the next three weekends. Call 419-725-HENS or click the link to get your tickets now - - - while great seats are still available.

Saturday, April 19 @ 7:00 pm vs. Louisville
Buy Tickets!
The Mud Hens will host the Louisville Bats for the first time in the 2008 season for a two-game series. Tonight is Bowling Green/Toledo Fan Night pitting students from both schools against each other for between inning games. The contest between the Hens and the Bats can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230 AM and seen live on BCSN.

Sunday, April 20 @ 2:00 pm vs. Louisville
Buy Tickets!
A Sunday tradition, Applebee’s presents Kids Run The Bases (post-game) and from 1:15-1:45, kids can get free autographs of two (2) Mud Hen players in front of section 119. The contest between the Hens and the Bats can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230 AM and seen live on BCSN.

Tuesday, April 22 @ 6:30 pm vs. Columbus
Buy Tickets!
The Hens welcome the Columbus Clippers to town for the first time on the season for this two-game series. Monday is Go Green night as the Hens will display eco-friendly tid-bits on the video boards throughout the evening. The contest between the Hens and the Clippers can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230 AM and seen live on BCSN.

Wednesday, April 23 @ 10:30 am vs. Columbus
Buy Tickets!
The first of three (3) School Celebration Days at Fifth Third Field. All students will receive a Toledo Mud Hens school folder upon exit. The contest between the Hens and the Clippers can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230 AM and seen live on BCSN.

Saturday, April 26 @ 7:00 pm vs. Indianapolis
Buy Tickets!
The Mud Hens will host the Indianapolis Indians for the first time on the year in this first game of a three-game series. The High School Home Run Derby returns for the 3rd year. After the game, cheer on players from Rogers High School and Bryan High School as they swing for the fences. The contest between the Hens and the Indians can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230 AM and seen live on BCSN.

Sunday, April 27 @ 2:00 pm vs. Indianapolis
Buy Tickets!
Kids can meet Dora The Explorer at the game and get their photo taken on the main concourse. A Sunday tradition, Applebee’s presents Kids Run The Bases (post-game) and from 1:15-1:45, kids can get free autographs of two (2) Mud Hen players in front of section 119. The contest between the Hens and the Indians can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230 AM and seen live on BCSN.

Monday, April 28 @ 6:30 pm vs. Indianapolis
Buy Tickets!
The final game of the homestand and the final game of the three-game series with Indianapolis. The contest between the Hens and the Indians can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1230 AM and seen live on BCSN.

GO MUD HENS!

Despite three home runs from Toledo third baseman Mike Hessman and a furious rally from the Mud Hens, the Bats defeated the Hens 10-7 Sunday.

The Bats took the lead in the second when David Ross led off the inning with a solo shot to left field. Louisville picked up three more runs when Paul Janish and Adam Rosales singled and Andy Green walked to load the bases. Jerry Hairston, Jr. singled home Janish and Rosales, moving Green to second while Jay Bruce singled Green home, putting the Bats ahead 4-1.

Louisville gained a five-run lead in the sixth after Hairston hit a three-run home run to left field, making the Bats lead 8-3. Hairston, who finished the day 3-for-5 with five RBI, raised his batting average to .421. He leads the Bats with eight multi-hit games, four of which are three-hit games.

Left fielder Jolbert Cabrera extended the Bats lead to 9-5 in the top of ninth with his first home run of the year. The Bats added their final run on a RBI-single by Rosales.

Louisville starter Tom Shearn (3-1, 3.98) pitched well and picked up his third win of the season. He allowed three runs on eight hits in five and one-third innings. Manager Rick Sweet used a combination of five relievers to preserve the win with Jon Adkins earning his second save of the season.

LHP Jon Connolly (0-2, 6.23) took the loss for the Hens. He went just three and two-thirds, giving up five runs on seven hits; he walked three and struck out four.

For the Mud Hens, Hessman and Brent Clevlen each went 4-for-5. Hessman had five RBI and scored three times.

The Bats will enjoy their first day off in 18 days Monday and travel to Indianapolis Tuesday for a four-game series. LHP Matt Maloney (1-0. 6.75) will take the hill for Louisville while RHP John Van Benschoten (3-0, 2.60) will start for the Indians. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.

Good Job Anyway, GUYS!!!

04/22/2008 11:25 PM ET
Cruceta looks as good as advertised
Tigers reliever pitches three hitless innings for Mud Hens
By Scott McNeish / MLB.com

TOLEDO, Ohio -- For one night, at least, Francisco Cruceta looked as good as advertised.

The acclaimed right-handed reliever pitched three scoreless, hitless innings for Triple-A Toledo in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to Columbus at Fifth Third Field. A free agent pickup last fall, Cruceta saw his first official action in the Tigers organization.

Cruceta struck out six of the 11 batters he faced. He showed great command, as 27 of his 39 pitches went for strikes. He walked one and hit a batter in his last inning but escaped the jam.

His two-seam fastball ranged from 91-95 mph with nice sinking movement, while he mixed in a slider and a devastating splitter, which he used as an out pitch.

"I feel good. I've been working hard and I'm ready," Cruceta said. "I'm ready right now."

The Mud Hens had orders to keep Cruceta on a count of 40-45 pitches. They will not use him in Wednesday's game.

Signed via free agency last fall to strengthen Detroit's bullpen, Cruceta missed Spring Training because of visa troubles in the Dominican Republic. His United States visa application finally received approval two weeks ago. He immediately reported to extended spring training in Lakeland, Fla., where he had impressive outings and earned the right to pitch in Toledo.

The Tigers placed Cruceta on Major League Baseball's restricted list when the regular season started, meaning they have two weeks to decide whether to add him to the 25-man roster, trade him or see if he can pass through waivers and stay in the Minors.

But that verdict could prove an easy one if Cruceta keeps performing like he did on Tuesday.

He entered in the sixth inning with the score tied at 3-3. He used first-pitch fastballs on all three hitters to set up his splitter, which he used to strike out the side on 10 pitches.

In his second inning, he coaxed a weak grounder to first, earned a strikeout with a nasty slider and enticed a soft grounder to short.

His third inning had more adversity. A walk, hit-by-pitch and groundout put runners on second and third with two outs. But another strikeout kept Columbus off the scoreboard.

"That was pretty quality," Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish said of Cruceta's debut. "He was really sharp early. He had this [splitter] that was breaking hard, but it was almost like it was breaking like a hard slider."

Parrish said he only saw one negative: Cruceta, at times, tipped his pitches.

Not that it mattered.

"There were a couple [pitches] there where he could tell you what was coming, and you couldn't hit it," he said.

His catcher on Tuesday, Dane Sardinha, had the best look of all. Afterwards, he just shook his head and struggled to find adjectives for the debut.

"It speaks for itself," he said. "I mean, they were hitting good against us until he came into the game."

In Detroit, with Denny Bautista taking care of late-inning duties and Todd Jones closing, Cruceta could be looked upon to help fill the setup role usually handled by fireballer Joel Zumaya, who is shelved until at least midseason after offseason shoulder surgery. Detroit's other setup man, Fernando Rodney, is sidelined with shoulder tendinitis and has an unsure timetable for his return. Meanwhile, none of the other Tiger relievers have locked down the late-inning roles.

So, in other words, a window of opportunity for Cruceta appears wide open. Now it's up to him to take advantage, and Tuesday was a good start.

"I want to keep my pitches down and compete," Cruceta said. "I have confidence in myself."

Of all their offseason moves, only Cruceta came via free agency. The Tigers beat out several other teams, including the Yankees, for his services after seeing him dominate winter ball in the Dominican Republic. He went 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA, held opponents to a .193 batting average and struck out 31 batters in 23 1/3 innings.

Assuming the Tigers call him up in the next two weeks, it would mark Cruceta's first trip to the Majors since making three appearances for the Mariners in 2006. He also pitched for Cleveland in 2004.

Scott McNeish is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

so glad he is here!

laprimamirala wrote:

so glad he is here!

And pitching very well!

Sardinha Leads Hens With 4 RBI in 8-5 Win Over Columbus
4/25/08

The Hens started the offense right away in the top of the first. With 2B Mike Hollimon on second, 3B Mike Hessman hit his seventh home run of the season on a fly ball to right.

The Clippers would answer back in the bottom of the inning to tie it up at two. With LF Tommy Murphy on first 2B Pete Orr tripled on a line drive to left. Orr would score on a groundout.

The Hens would score their third run on a sacrifice fly by RF Matt Joyce in the fourth. Toledo would score again in the seventh when C Dane Sardinha doubled on a fly ball to right to score Joyce from first.

Going into the eighth inning, the Clippers held a 5-4 lead. With two outs and the bases loaded, DH Erick Almonte drew a walk to tie the game up. Sardinha then doubled to left to score all three base runners.

LHP Jon Connolly made this third start of the year Friday night. Connolly went six innings while giving up four earned runs off of five hits. RHP Francisco Cruceta (1-0) threw two innings in relief giving up only one earned run on one hit to pick up the win. RHP Blaine Neal recorded his seventh save of the season. Neal is a perfect 7-7 in save opportunities this year. Mike Hessman went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI and 3 Runs. Dane Sardinha was also 2 for 4 with 4 RBI.

Eric Boye, Toledo Mud Hens

The first inning brought about two unassisted double plays, one by 1B Jeff Larish and the other by Indianapolis 3B Neil Walker. With the score tied at 1-1 DH Erick Almonte launched his second home run of the season to put the Hens on top 2-1.

In his first start of the season RHP Yorman Bazardo gave up three runs on six hits in 4.0 IP. The Hens took the lead again by putting a three spot up on the board in the fourth inning led by SS Derek Wathan’s bases loaded double which drove in two.

LHP Casey Fossum replaced Bazardo for a scoreless fifth but gave up a 2-run home run in the sixth to 1B Adam Boeve to tie the game up at 5-5. Fossum was replaced by RHP Preston Larrison in the seventh inning after loading the bases with one out. Larrison walked in a run to give the Indians the 6-5 lead. In the bottom of the seventh Almonte brought the score back up to even with a two-out RBI single.

Neither team could dig up any more offense until the 11th inning when 3B Mike Hessman led off with a walk followed Larish belting a triple off the center field wall, scoring Hessman to give the Hens the win.


The Hits Stop Here: Indianapolis CF Andrew McCutchen’s hit streak ended at 13 games after going 0-3 against Hen’s pitching.

Extra Extra Read All About It: The 11th inning win against Indianapolis marks the first time all season the Hens have gone in to extra innings.

Back At The Top: With the win over Indianapolis the Hens are sitting back at the top of the International League West after Louisville lost to Columbus in 13 innings.

Error Free Is The Way To Be: The Mud Hens now have a season-high six game error free streak. This ties their season-high from last season (June 23-28). In 2006, the Hens went seven games without committing an error (May 26- June 2).

Dynamite Defense: The Toledo Mud Hens lead the IL with the best fielding percentage (.987) and the Indianapolis Indians are ranked second with a .986 fielding percentage.

Fabulous Number Four: The Hens record a season-high four-game win steak with their 7-6 win over the Indians.

Handy Hessman: 3B Mike Hessman leads the International League with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in his position. Hessman has yet to make an error in 20 games with 50 total chances.

From the start of this game it was easy to see the trends of the day: the Hens came to hit and RHP Jeremy Johnson was going to be difficult to hit. After Johnson sent down the Indians in order, 3B Mike Hessman hit a home run to Monroe Street in the first to put the score at 1-0. Johnson (4-0) earned the win and held a shutout through six innings. It was only in his last inning of work that he gave up a RBI-double to catcher Michel Hernandez.

Hessman (2-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI) and his homer were not the only blemishes in opposing starter RHP Mike Thompson's game. Thompson gave up a home run to 1B Jeff Larish in the fourth - a two run shot deep out of Fifth Third Field. Then in the fifth, 2B Michael Hollimon blasted another two-run jack to put Toledo up 6-0.

The Hens answered after C Michel Hernandez put the Indians on the board with a RF Matt Joyce RBI-double that scored LF Timo Perez in the eigth. The Hens would hold the lead and win 7-1.

News And Notes:
The Prestige: The Hens have leaders in many catagories.
Pitchers ~ Starting pitchers Eddie Bonine and Jeremy Johnson have a league leading four wins. Closer Blaine Neal leads with seven saves.
Batters ~ 3B Mike Hessman has a league lead with 8 HR and 20 RBI with a I.L. best 17 extra base hits and 20 runs scored. 1B Jeff Larish is in second with 7 HR and 15 extra base hits. He also shares the lead in RBI with 20.

Who's On Fire: Can we pick the team? On Friday, RHP Eddie Bonine won his fourth game in as many starts, RHP Jeremy Johnson also picked up his fourth win Sunday, and the batters have quite a few hit streaks. 1B Jeff Larish, 3B Mike Hessman, OF Jackson Melian, OF Matt Joyce, and 2B Michael Hollimon have hit safely in at least four of their last five games.

Slugging And Belting, Pick Your Poison: The Hens have two of the most productive players in Hessman and Larish sitting in the middle of the order, but they are not the only two going deep. The Hens lead the I.L with 37 home runs; Toledo has seven position players with two or more homers.

Staying On Top: The Mud Hens are in first place in the I.L West for the second time this season since the opening home stand. The 2007 West Division champ Hens did not take first until June 23 of last year, a spot they held the rest of the way.

~Philipp Levering, Toledo Mud Hens

The Indians went up 1-0 in the top of the first. RF Steve Pearce hit a sacrifice fly to score CF Andrew McCutchen from third. Indianapolis was able to grab two more runs in the third. 3B Neil Walker tripled, and Pearce and LF Craig Wilson followed up with doubles each.

The Hens scored three runs in the bottom of the third off of four base hits. With the bases loaded, LF Brent Clevlen hit a single to left to score one. RF Matt Joyce extended his hitting streak to five games on a single to score two runs.

Toledo grabbed the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Clevlen picked up his second RBI of the evening on a single to right to score 2B Michael Hollimon from second. Joyce followed with a 2 RBI-double to score 1B Jeff Larish and Clevlen.

RHP Chris Lambert (3-1) went five innings, giving up four runs off of eight hits, walking two and striking out three. RHP Francisco Cruceta, with Toledo on MLB-Rehab, pitched in two innings of relief and recorded five out of his six outs by strikeouts. RHP Blaine Neal recorded his eighth save of the season. Neal is a perfect 8-8 in save opportunities this year. RHP Bryan Bullington (0-4) recorded the loss for the Indians.

--Around the Horn--

League Leaders --

Offense - Mike Hessman leads the league in HR (8) and is tied in the lead in RBI (20); Jeff Larish is second in home runs (7) and is tied in the lead in RBI (20);

Defense - RHP Eddie Bonine and RHP Jeremy Johnson are tied in first in wins (4); RHP Blaine Neal is tied for first in saves (8).

Who’s Hot? -- Mike Hessman has hits in 8 of the last 10 games (6 HR, 3B, 3 2B, 12 RBI, 11 Runs, 2 SB)… Jeff Larish has hits in 6 of the last 7 (1 HR, 3B, 2 2B, 7 RBI, 4 Runs)… Mike Hollimon has a hit in 6 of the last 7 games he has played with the Hens (2 HR, 3B, 3 2B, 3 RBI, 6 Runs, SB)… Matt Joyce extended his hitting streak to five games Monday night when he went 3 for 4.

Errorless Streak Ended -- The Hens went seven straight games without committing an error, their longest stretch since 2006. Toledo had two errors Monday night.

Toledo Tough For Bullington -- RHP Bryan Bullington is a career
0-7 against Toledo. Bullington went 3.2 innings, while giving up eight hits, six runs, four walks and striking out four. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1st round (1st pick) of the 2002 amateur draft.

--Eric Boye, Toledo Mud Hens

Joyce on steady climb through Minors
Outfielder quietly impressing Tigers brass with solid play
By Scott McNeish / MLB.com

TOLEDO -- He's not one of the most-heralded names in the Tigers' system. He doesn't make many headlines or magazine covers. No, he just does his job consistently, and because of that, he has shot up the Minor League rungs and sits one step away from the Majors.

Matt Joyce represents part of a talented outfield cluster at Triple-A Toledo, but he differs from the rest. He is the team's Cinderella story, a pleasant surprise who shows no signs of slowing down.

In three short years, Joyce has gone from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla., to the starting right fielder in Toledo.

Along the way, he has not posted eye-popping statistics. Yet, the 6-foot-2, 185-pounder has nonetheless developed into an attractive prospect -- not because he's a superstar in the making, but because he has the tools to become a solid everyday player.

"He's done very well so far," Toledo manager Larry Parrish said. "He was a guy that you worried about, because we sort of rushed him to Double-A and then here. But so far, so good."

Scout.com ranked Joyce as the 13th-best prospect this season in the Tigers' farm system, up 10 spots from last year. Baseball America labeled him the seventh-best prospect. In its projected 2011 Tigers starting lineup, the magazine has Joyce starting in right field, a position currently held by reigning American League batting champion Magglio Ordonez.

Not bad for a player who, three years ago, had the sixth-highest batting average for an NCAA Division II team.

"Every year has been a little more challenging," Joyce said. "I've just tried to get better along the way. That's what the whole Minor League experience is all about."

But his all-around game, especially his defense, tempted the Tigers to select him in the 12th round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft. In fact, his performance in the field earned him the title of best defensive outfielder in the Eastern League last year by Baseball America, which also named him the best defensive outfielder in the Detroit system.

Clete Thomas, who helped fill in for injured Curtis Granderson in Detroit before joining the Mud Hens last week, has the best outfield arm according to the magazine and Tigers manager Jim Leyland. But it's Joyce's overall abilities out there that have turned heads.

"He gets to the ball quickly, releases it quickly, and he's been very, very accurate the last few years with his throws," Tigers player development director Glenn Ezell said. "He doesn't have exceptional speed, but he always gets good reads. He plays a very, very solid outfield."

His impressive defensive skills developed when he patrolled the outfield for Florida Southern. The Mocs are annually the first game on the Tigers' Spring Training schedule, which provides the biggest thrill for most everyone who plays there.

"I remember the whole time just looking across the diamond and being wowed by those guys," Joyce said.

But then the game started, and Joyce made his presence known. Scouts took notice and scribbled in their notepads. Several of Joyce's teammates at FSC went in the 2005 Draft, meaning an abundance of scouts attended most games. Joyce's big plays against the Tigers, he believes, got him on their radar.

"I think I got them saying, 'Hey, this kid can play,'" Joyce said.

As fate would have it, the Tigers thought he could play well enough to add him to their organization. For Joyce, it was an easy fit. He had spent the previous four years in Lakeland, so he already knew the Tigers' facilities. He was already home, as Joyce put it.

This year, he had the thrill of seeing the Tigers-Florida Southern matchup from the Major League dugout.

At his current pace, Joyce should see his alma mater from that dugout often, as long as he continues to receive invites to spring camp and, he hopes, a spot on the Major League roster in coming years.

Joyce has jumped at least one Minor League level every year of his professional career. In 2005, he started at low Class A Oneonta, where he hit an impressive .332. The next season at Class A West Michigan, he hit .258, but added 11 home runs and 86 RBIs. That earned him a promotion in 2007 to Double-A Erie, where he overcame a slow start at the plate to hit .257 with 17 home runs and 70 RBIs. He skipped high Class A Lakeland, because the organization wanted to test him.

"We wanted to see if he could handle it," Parrish said.

"The first couple months last year were a test for him," Ezell said. But by working diligently with Erie hitting coach Glenn Adams, he was able to finish strong at the plate and pass the test.

His performance last season earned him an invitation to this year's Spring Training with the Tigers. He performed well, too, before being sent down March 12 in the first round of cuts.

Leyland had positive words for Joyce that day.

"[Leyland] said, 'Keep working hard. You got a good thing going, and you got a bright future,'" Joyce said.

They tested him again by sending him to Toledo, and he's been one of the Mud Hens' best run producers so far. He entered Monday with a .276 average, five home runs, 16 RBIs and an .894 OPS.

Among his homers was a much-talked-about blast onto the roof of the building beyond the right-field fence -- a pleasant surprise, just like him.

"I think the biggest thing he's got to do," Ezell said, "is feel confident that he can do some things. A lot of young players have that same deal. They can think about doing it, but the confidence has got to be there."

His sprint toward the Majors should slow for a while; the Tigers, when healthy, don't need outfield help. But when the day arrives that they do, Joyce said he will be ready.

"Right now, I'm really trying to be consistent in my approach," he said. "Everything else will take care of itself. That's the thing. If I do the little things, the big stuff will take care of itself."

Bonine Is Fine On Tuesday: Hens Win Seventh Straight 4-3
(4/29/08)

The Mud Hens are just rolling and have won seven straight games and stay in first place in the I.L. West. Leading the way Tuesday night was RHP Eddie Bonine (5-0) who simply shut down the Bats, allowing three runs and striking out eight in six innings.

The Bats struck first when CF Jay Bruce drove in SS Luis Bolivar on a ground out. The Hens would come back in the fifth with a lead off home run by SS Derek Wathan (1) to even the game and an RBI single by 1B Jeff Larish put the Hens ahead. Toledo extended the lead in the sixth after a 2B Michael Hollimon triple scored a run. Hollimon later scored on a CF Clete Thomas RBI-single.

Louisville made it close again after scoring two in the seventh while chasing Bonine from the game to put the score at 4-3. But the Hens' bullpen and closer RHP Blaine Neal stepped up to preserve the victory. Neal earned his league leading ninth save of the season.

News And Notes
Bonine Is Fine For Toledo: With Tuesday's victory, starter RHP Eddie Bonine leads the league with five wins and has won all of his six starts pitching in a Toledo uniform (1-0 in 2007 and 5-0 in 2008). In his six wins, he has a sparkling 2.92 ERA (40.1 IP/13 ER/24 SO) and five quality starts.

Over The Fence: It just seems like it would not be a Hens game if they did not hit a home run. Once again, another long ball contributed to the score with a SS Derek Wathan solo-shot. The team leads the I.L. with 38 homers. All everyday Toledo starting position players have at least one home run.

Fierce Competitors: 1B Jeff Larish's RBI-single gives him the I.L. lead in RBI with 21. The next two on the list are 3B Mike Hessman and RF Matt Joyce with 20 each.

On Fire: The Hens look to extend their win streak Wednesday in Louisville before returning home for eight straight games Thursday.

~Philipp Levering, Toledo Mud Hens

The International League announced today that Toledo third baseman Mike Hessman and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre pitcher Darrell Rasner have been named the League’s Batter and Pitcher-of-the-Week for the period from April 21-27. Each is the first member of their respective club to win an IL weekly award this season.

Reigning International League Most Valuable Player Mike Hessman continued his dominance of IL pitching this week to the tune of a .348 average (8-23) with three home runs and six RBI. His three bombs tied for the most in the League over the past seven days, while his .870 slugging percentage and eight runs scored were tops in the IL. Hessman’s outburst helped spark the Mud Hens to five straight victories, pulling out in front in the IL West Division with a 15-8 record. Only one man in League history has won consecutive MVP Awards (Roberto Petagine, 1997-98), and thus far Hessman is making a strong case to be the second. He is at or near the top of the IL in several offensive categories with 8 home runs (1st), 17 extra base hits (1st), 20 RBI (T-1st), 19 runs scored (T-1st), and a .685 slugging percentage (2nd).

30-year-old Mike Hessman is in his 13th professional season, and his 4th in the Detroit farm system. This marks his 7th season in the International League. From 2002-04 with Richmond, Hessman hit .264 with 61 HR and 183 RBI in 308 games. Now in his 4th season with the Mud Hens, Hessman is the franchise’s all-time leader in homers (91) and RBI (244). Hessman is a native of Fountain Valley, CA.

In the first game of a four game series versus the Rochester Red Wings, Toledo starter RHP Yorman Bazardo (1-0) set the pace while retiring the first nine batters he faced. His counterpart, RHP Kevin Slowey (0-1), attacked the strike zone early in his major league rehab start, but the Hens took advantage with two early homers.

Despite striking out seven batters in his first three innings, Slowey's two mistakes made him a loser in his first major league rehab start. In the first and second innings, 3B Mike Hessman and LF Brent Clevlen hit towering solo-shots to put the Hens up 2-0. Slowey finished the outing giving up only those two runs in five innings with nine strikeouts.

Yorman Bazardo was lights out, retiring the first nine batters he faced on the way to his first win of this young season. The early run support was all he needed to put the Red Wings away quietly. He finished with five strong innings of his own, but allowed only one lone run, departing with a 2-1 lead.

The Hens added three runs in the eighth thanks to a LF Brent Clevlen 2-run triple for his third runs driven in on the night. Preserving the lead, LHP Casey Fossum was brilliant and shut the door pitching 3.1 scoreless innings of relief before closer Blaine Neal stepped in and earned the save (10), stopping the two on, one out ninth inning rally.

News And Notes

Homeward Bound: The Mud Hens began their eight game home stand with a win Thursday night versus the Rochester Red Wings. The Hens play the Red Wings Friday night with LHP Dontrelle Willis taking the hill.

Get Out!: Hens' 3B Mike Hessman and LF Brent Clevlen expanded the team home run total with 2 more solo shots in the first and second innings Thursday night. The team now has a league leading 41 home runs. Coming into tonight, the next closest in the I.L. is Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with 26. Toledo finished April with 11 multi-home run games; this is their 12th such game of the season.

Beach Balls: It seems as if the Hens batters see a beach ball coming in to home plate; six Toledo position players finished April batting over .275 and all but three finished over .250. All but one player has at least one home run.

Leaders In The Pack: 3B Mike Hessman leads the league in home runs (9), runs scored (21), extra-base hits (19), and is second in RBI (21). 1B Jeff Larish holds the lead in RBI with 22 and is second in home runs (7) and extra-base hits (15). Toledo pitchers have had their share of the lime light too; starter RHP Eddie Bonine is tied for the I.L. lead with 5 wins (5 starts) and Hens' closer RHP Blaine Neal leads with 10 saves (10 opportunities).

What They're Talking About: Detroit starter LHP Dontrelle Willis is scheduled to make a major league rehab start during the second game of the four game series Friday evening. Tickets are still available; call 419.725.HENS.

~Philipp Levering, Toledo Mud Hens