2010 Toledo Mud Hens Schedule and Results

Toledo wins Game 2 of its double-header, 3-0, with Lehigh Valley to sweep the double-header
By Kyle Rowland
06/01/2010 9:37 PM ET

TOLEDO, OH - The Toledo Mud Hens won Game 2 of their double-header with Lehigh Valley, 3-0, to sweep the two games. Toledo limited the IronPigs to three hits in the second game. The Hens have now won eight straight at Fifth Third Field, a ballpark record.

Unlike Game 1, Toledo got on the board quickly with two runs in the bottom of the first. Scott Sizemore led off the game with a single and advanced to second on a passed ball. Will Rhymes put him on third with a sacrifice bunt. Danny Worth then came through with an RBI single. Following a Jeff Frazier double to the gap, it was 2-0 Hens.

Brian Mazone (3-6) would retire 12 straight Hens until Ben Guez hit a towering solo home run to left-center in the fifth inning. That put Toledo up by the final margin, 3-0.

L.J. Gagnier (2-2) was superb in his five innings of work. He allowed just three hits, striking out six and walking one.

Jay Sborz came on in the seventh to collect his 11th save of the season, third-best in the International League. Casper Wells made a remarkable diving catch in right field in the seventh inning and completed the double play at first base with a great throw.

The Mud Hens are now 30-22 on the season, while Lehigh Valley falls 18-33.

Toledo and Lehigh Valley continue their series Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. It is the final School Day game of the season. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score | Video Highlights

Game Notes

* Ben Guez hit his second HR of the season.

* Scott Sizemore extended his hitting streak to nine games,
tying the most for a Hens this season.

* Toledo has won eight consecutive home games.

* Jay Sborz recorded his 11th save, third-best in the IL.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens take Game 1 of double-header 5-3 on Sizemore homer
By Kyle Rowland
06/01/2010 6:06 PM ET

TOLEDO, OH - The Toledo Mud Hens were winners in dramatic fashion of Game 1 of a double-header. The Hens scored four unearned runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to win 5-3. The climax was a two-run walk-off home run by Scott Sizemore.

It is the first walk-off homer for the Hens since June 11, 2008 when Freddy Guzman hit a game winner against the Indianapolis Indians.

The loss extends Lehigh Valley's losing streak to five games. By rule, the game was seven innings.

Toledo starter Ruddy Lugo had a no-decision going 5.1 innings, striking out two and walking three. He allowed just three hits and only one of his three runs given up was earned.

Lehigh Valley got on the board first with back-to-back doubles by Neil Sellers and Melvin Dorta to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the second.

Toledo tied it in the fifth on a solo home run by Brent Dlugach. It would be short lived, though.

The IronPigs retook the lead n the top of the sixth with two unearned runs. With one out, Lugo walked consecutive batters before being relieved by Casey Fien. With runners on first and second, Lehigh Valley pulled off a double steal. Robinzon Diaz threw to third base, but Brent Dugach couldn't handle the throw as it went into left field, allowing a run to score. The IronPigs scored their second run on a passed ball to take a 3-1 lead.

The Hens had runners on first and second in the ninth via an error and walk. Unfortunately, there were two outs. It didn't matter to pinch hitter Will Rhymes, though, as he hit a two-RBI double to tie the game. In stepped Scott Sizemore who crushed a Scott Mathieson home run to left field for the 5-3 win.

Toledo and Lehigh Valley play Game 2 of their double-header Tuesday night. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score | Video Highlights

Game Notes

* First pitch temperature was 81 degrees.

* This is the first double-header the Hens have played in this season. They finished a suspended game and followed it with a seven-inning game May 4.

* In the middle innings, Lugo retired eight consecutive batters and Carpenter retired seven straight.

* Brent Dlugach hit his fifth HR of the season.

* Lugo's line: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K

* Sizemore's HR was his first of the season.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens give up 16 hits, lose to IronPigs
By David Schoenholtz
06/02/2010 2:43 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens surrendered 16 hits on their way to falling to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 11-6 on Wednesday morning at Fifth Third Field.

The IronPigs got on the board in the top of the first, as John Mayberry Jr., Andy Tracy, and Cody Ransom hit consecutive two-out singles. Neil Sellers then hit his first home run of the season to make it a 4-0 game before Brandon Duckworth threw a pitch.

The Mud Hens responded in the bottom of the inning with three runs of their own. Scott Sizemore singled, Will Rhymes walked, and Danny Worth hit a hard ground ball off third baseman Cody Ransom's glove that was ruled a hit, scoring Sizemore. After Jeff Frazier walked to load the bases, Casper Wells lined a single to center field to plate two more runs. Duckworth retired the next three Hen hitters to end the rally.

Lehigh Valley knocked Alfredo Figaro (4-3) out of the game in the top of the second. Dane Sardinha was hit by a pitch, and after Brian Bocock struck out and Rich Thompson popped out to shortstop, the Pigs got consecutive singles by Chris Duffy, Mayberry, and Tracy, and Figaro's day was done. Josh Rainwater came in and allowed two hits and hit a batter as the IronPigs pushed their lead to 9-3.

Toledo scored three more runs - on four hits and a sacrifice fly - to chase Duckworth in the bottom of the third, but Ryan Vogelsong (2-2) struck out Sizemore looking to end the inning.

Mayberry hit a two-run home run - his ninth of the season - off Scot Drucker in the top of the sixth to extend the IronPigs' lead to 11-6.

Alex Concepcion took over on the mound for the Pigs in the sixth and gave up a pair of two-out singles to Worth and Frazier, but got Wells to fly out to end the threat.

The Hens loaded the bases with none out in the bottom of the eighth against Oscar Villareal, but failed to score as Worth struck out and Frazier grounded into an inning-ending double play.

Vogelsong earned the win with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, and Figaro took the loss for Toledo.

The IronPigs improve to 19-33, while the Mud Hens fall to 30-23.

The Mud Hens wrap up their series with Lehigh Valley on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score | Video Highlights

Game Notes

* Attendance: 9,333

* Scott Sizemore's first-inning single extended his hitting streak to 10 games, the longest by a Mud Hen this season.

* Lehigh Valley's Neil Sellers hit his first home run of the season.

* The Mud Hens' all-time School Day record is 23-4.

* Toledo's eight-game home winning streak came to an end.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens drop finale to IronPigs 3-1
By David Schoenholtz
06/03/2010 9:57 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens lost the final game of their homestand, 3-1 to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, on Thursday night at Fifth Third Field.

Toledo got three hits in the first inning off former Mud Hen Nate Bump (5-3), but failed to score thanks to Bump's pickoff of Scott Sizemore at first base.

The Hens left two runners on in each of the first three inning, and nine runners overall.

Enrique Gonzalez (4-5) pitched very well, allowing two runs on only four hits in seven innings of work, striking out eight and walking two. Unfortunately for him, the Toledo offense could not get the timely hit when needed.

The IronPigs got on the board in the top of the third on a home run by Paul Hoover.

The Mud Hens finally plated a run in the bottom of the fourth. After Brent Dlugach grounded out to open the frame, Ryan Strieby singled and moved to third on a Robinzon Diaz double. Sizemore then hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 1-1.

Lehigh Valley's Rich Thompson hit a solo home run in the sixth to re-take the lead, and that was all the scoring against Gonzalez.

With one out in the top of the ninth, Casey Fien surrendered Cody Ransom's 12th home run of the year to extend the IronPigs' lead to 3-1.

The Hens brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth against Scott Mathieson, but Sizemore was called out on strikes to end the game.

Bump earned the win, and Gonzalez took the loss for Toledo. Mathieson picked up his ninth save.

The IronPigs improve to 20-33, while the Mud Hens fall to 30-24.

The Mud Hens head out on the road for a four-game series with the Rochester Red Wings followed by a four-game set at Lehigh Valley. They return to Toledo to host the Red Wings on June 12 at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score | Video Highlights

Game Notes

* Attendance: 6,713

* Jeff Larish was activated from the disabled list before the game and started at first base.

* Scott Sizemore's first-inning single extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

* Lehigh Valley's Chris Duffy was ejected in the sixth inning.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Strieby collects four hits; Hens clip Wings, 5-4!
06/04/2010 11:46 PM ET

The Toledo Mud Hens started their eight game road trip with a 5-4 win on Friday night in Rochester. It was the first of eight meetings between the two clubs this year.



· Box Score
· Next Homestand: June 12-20





The Hens improved to 31-24 on the year with the win.

Toledo built a 5-0 lead before Rochester scored three runs in the 7th frame. Rochester plated a run in the ninth against Jay Sborz and stranded the tying run at third base.

Ryan Strieby had four hits in the contest to pace the Hens. Toledo collected 14 hits in the game.

Scott Sizemore extended his hitting streak to 12 games.

LHP Ryan Ketchner started and earned the win.

Catcher Jeff Kunkel made his Toledo debut and had two hits.

Toledo is now 3.5 games behind Columbus in the IL West.

Toledo will continue the series with the Red Wings on Saturday at 7:05 and Billy Buckner will make his Toledo debut on the hill.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Vote your Mud Hens into the Triple-A All-Star Game!
06/04/2010 9:44 AM ET

With the 23rd annual Triple-A All-Star Game in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania just under six weeks away, Triple-A Baseball and MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) announced today that online voting is now underway. This is the fourth consecutive year that Triple-A Baseball and MLBAM have teamed up to offer this opportunity to baseball fans across the country. Voting begins today and will run through Friday, June 25. This year's contest will take place at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, on Wednesday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

Fan balloting will help determine the starting lineups for both All-Star Teams, accounting for one-third of the total vote along with ballots cast by members of the media and each club's field manager, coaches, and general manager. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MUD HENS!

All fans who participate in the online balloting will be able to vote for players from both the IL and PCL rosters. Fans can select one player for each of the infield positions, plus three outfielders, a designated hitter, and four pitchers - two starters and two relievers. Write-in votes for players not listed on the ballot will also be accepted.

Up-to-date statistics and position-by-position comparisons are available at the click of a mouse to help fans make their selections. Voting updates will be made available weekly for both Leagues. Once the balloting period is over, fans can check the aforementioned websites for additional updates and features leading up to the All-Star Game. The 23rd annual Triple-A All-Star Game will be broadcast live from Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, July 14 on MLB Network as well as MiLB.TV on the World Wide Web. Events preceding the game include the "Pigapalooza" FanFest (July 10) and the Triple-A Home Run Derby (July 12).

********** DID YOU KNOW... ********** Online voting is the best way for fans to help send players from their favorite team to the Triple-A All-Star Game. So which team has sent the most All-Stars to the event since its inception in 1988? Two teams are actually tied for the record. Buffalo and Albuquerque have both sent 44 All-Stars to the event, just edging out Columbus (43). Buffalo's contribution to the Triple-A All-Star Game has included such names as Jay Bell, Jeromy Burnitz, Brian Giles, and Richie Sexson, while Albuquerque has sent Pedro Martinez, Mike Piazza, and Paul Konerko, among others.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Sizemore's four hits cannot propel Hens to victory as Rochester wins 8-4
By Kyle Rowland
06/05/2010 7:57 PM ET

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The Toledo Mud Hens ended up on the wrong side of a hit fest Saturday at Frontier Field, falling 8-4 to the Rochester Red Wings. The teams combined for 29 hits. Rochester had 16, tying the most for a Mud Hen opponent all season.

Billy Buckner, making his Mud Hen debut, was shaky in his 4.1 innings of work. He gave up 14 hits and eight runs, striking out two and walking one. Josh Rainwater and Scot Drucker went 3.2 innings in relief, yielding just two hits.

The Hens got on the board with a run in the second. Casper Wells tripled and scored following an RBI single by Deik Scram. Rochester came right back in the home half of the inning to tie it. Matt Macri led off with a double and scored when Brock Peterson got a double of his own. In between were two outs and the third followed Peterson's RBI double.

The Red Wings began the bottom of the third with three consecutive singles by Toby Gardenhire, Brian Dinkelman and Trevor Plouffe. Gardenhire was thrown out at home plate on Plouffe's base hit by Casper Wells who threw a laser form centerfield. A walk followed before Macri popped out. A Wilson Ramos single brought in two runs to put the Wings up 3-1. Major League veteran Jacque Jones kept the onslaught going with a two-RBI double to make it a 5-1 ballgame. The inning would end one batter later with a Brock Peterson strikeout.

Rochester added a run in the fourth on a Plouffe single, scoring Gardenhire to make it 6-1.

The Hens got back in the game with four runs in the fifth. Robinzon Diaz and Scott Sizemore led off the inning with back-to-back singles. Will Rhymes followed with a walk to load the bases with none out. After a line out by Danny Worth, Jeff Frazier doubled to score Diaz and Sizemore and make it 6-3. Rhymes advanced to third and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jeff Larish to close the gap to 6-4.

The Red Wings responded in the bottom half with two-run home run by Brock Peterson. The round tripper put Rochester up by the final margin of 8-4.

Toledo and Rochester continue their series Sunday afternoon with a 1 p.m. start. The Hens return home June 12 for an eight-game homestand. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Billy Buckner made his Mud Hen debut.
* Casper Wells' triple was the 12th by a Hen this season.
* Scott Sizemore extended his hitting streak to 13 games.
* Sizemore was 4-or-5 with a run.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Toledo and Rochester were rained out and will play a doubleheader Monday
06/06/2010 12:09 PM ET

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Sunday's game between Toledo and Rochester was postponed due to rain.

The teams will play a doubleheader Monday starting at 6:05 p.m. The second game will begin approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the first game. Both games will be seven innings.

The Hens return home June 12 for an eight-game homestand. Upcoming Game Tickets

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Go green with the Hens on Thursday, June 17!
06/07/2010 10:09 AM ET

Get your green on Thursday, June 17 as the Mud Hens will be celebrating the First Annual Irish Heritage Night at Fifth Third Field, presented by The Blarney.


The Hens' will be wearing special edition green jerseys during the game! Fans will be able to bid on these game-worn limited-edition jerseys via a silent auction on the main concourse. Bidding will end at the bottom of the 7th inning and proceeds from the auction will benefit the Salvation Army.

Plus, we'll be serving green beer at the draft beer portable stand located in lucky section 107, next to the Gilhooley's Grill. Look for the festive green decorations and the stand attendants wearing green Bud shirts and hats!

BUY TICKETS!

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Mud Hens fall, 3-0, to IronPigs as Alfredo Figaro and Nate Bump battle in pitcher's duel
By Kyle Rowland
06/08/2010 10:00 PM ET

ALLENTOWN, PA. - The Toledo Mud Hens lost, 3-0, to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in a pitcher's duel Tuesday night at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pa. The teams combined for just 10 hits as Alfredo Figaro and Nate Bump flustered hitters for most of the night.

The IronPigs didn't waste any time getting on the board as they scored a run in the bottom of the first. Willy Taveras led off the inning with a single and stole second to get himself in scoring position. That is exactly what he did on a Neil Sellers double to give Lehigh Valley an early 1-0 lead.

Figaro (4-4) went 6.2 innings, allowing just one run on five hits. He struck out four and walked two. Bump (6-3) went six innings, striking out four and walking four. He surrendered just three hits.

Lehigh Valley picked up two insurance runs in the eighth on a Jeff Larish throwing error, one of four Mud Hen errors in the game. After Daniel Schlereth walked the bases loaded, Melvin Dorta hit a ground ball to third that was thrown wildly by Larish, allowing the IronPigs to take a 3-0 lead into the ninth.

Scott Mathieson picked up his 11th save of the season.

Toledo had only five hits in the game. They were paced by designated hitter Max Leon, who went 2-for-4. Brent Dlugach saw his team-high five-game hit streak come to an end, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

The Hens fall to 32-27 on the season.

Toledo and Lehigh Valley continue their series Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. The Hens return home June 12 for an eight-game homestand. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Wilkin Ramirez made his 2010 Mud Hen debut
* Figaro's line: 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4K
* Toledo lost for the first time on Tuesday and is now 9-1 on the season.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens split doubleheader with Red Wings
By David Schoenholtz
06/08/2010 12:02 AM ET

(Rochester, NY) - After getting crushed by a dozen runs in the first game of a doubleheader with the Rochester Red Wings, the Toledo Mud Hens gained a series split, taking Game 2 by the score of 6-2 on Monday night at Frontier Field.

Ruddy Lugo (1-3) did not make it out of the first inning in Game 1, allowing 10 runs - nine earned - as the Mud Hens lost 15-3. Rochester's Glen Perkins (1-6) gave up three runs in five innings of work but earned his first win of the season.

L.J. Gagnier (3-2) saved the bullpen in Game 2, throwing a complete game one-hitter. His only mistake was a third-inning home run by Trevor Plouffe. Toledo scored in four of the first five innings off Matt Fox (4-3) and Brad Hennessey. Jeff Larish hit a two-run home run in the third inning and Brent Dlugach contributed a solo shot in the fifth.

The Mud Hens are now 32-26, 3.5 games back of Columbus in the IL West.

The Hens travel to Lehigh Valley for a four-game series with the IronPigs beginning on Tuesday. They return to Toledo to host the Red Wings on June 12 at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score Game 1 | Box Score Game 2

Game Notes

* In Game 1, Deik Scram made an error for the first time since August 2009.
* Will Rhymes, who has played second base and third base for the Hens this season, started both games in center field.
* Jeff Kunkel went 3-4 in Game 2 and is hitting .556 (5-9) since being promoted from Double-A Erie.
* Both Jeff Larish and Brent Dlugach hit their sixth home runs of the year in Game 2.
* Toledo out-hit Rochester 14-1 in Game 2.
* Scott Sizemore went 0-9 on the day and saw his 13-game hitting streak come to an end.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens-Pigs Postponed; doubleheader Thursday
06/09/2010 7:55 PM ET

(Allentown, PA) - Wednesday's game between Toledo and Lehigh Valley was postponed due to inclement weather.

The teams will play a doubleheader Thursday starting at 6:05 p.m. The second game will begin approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the first game. Both games will be seven innings.

The Hens return home on Saturday, June 12 for an eight-game homestand. Upcoming Game Tickets

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Wells homers and Buckner fools hitters as Mud Hens win 2-1; sweep doubleheader vs. IronPigs
By Kyle Rowland
06/10/2010 9:48 PM ET

ALLENTOWN, PA. - The Toledo Mud Hens swept its doubleheader Thursday with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, winning Game 2, 2-1. Once again, Toledo was the beneficiary of outstanding pitching as Billy Buckner went the distance (seven innings), allowing the lone run on six hits. He struck out four and walked one.

The teams combined for just 11 hits over the seven innings.

Casper Wells started the scoring with a solo home run in the top of the third to put the Hens up 1-0.

The IronPigs loaded the bases in the fourth, but Buckner got out of the jam with an inning ending double play.

Toledo added another run in the sixth with an RBI single from Ryan Strieby, scoring Scott Sizemore from second base.

An Andy Tracy solo home run in the bottom of the six cut the lead in half. The IronPigs would not threaten again, though, as the Hens won 2-1.

Toledo improves to 34-27.

Toledo and Lehigh Valley wrap up their series Friday at 7:05 p.m. The Hens return home June 12 for an eight-game homestand. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Casper Wells hit his ninth HR of the season.
* Jeff Frazier now has 200 doubles for the season.
* Buckner's line: 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1ER, 1 BB, 4 K

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Mud Hens win Game 1 of doubleheader, 4-3, behind four solo home runs
By Kyle Rowland
06/10/2010 7:11 PM ET

ALLENTOWN, PA. - The Toledo Mud Hens took Game 1 of a doubleheader, 4-3, against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. With the win, Toledo improves to 33-27 on the season and 5-1 in seven inning games.

The Hens came out swinging as they hit three home runs in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead out of the gate. Scott Sizemore led off the game with a home run. Coincidentally, the last time the Hens had a leadoff homer it was Sizemore - also in the first game of a doubleheader. He accomplished the feat on July 24, 2009 against Scranton/Wilkes-Barres. After back-to-back strikeouts to Casper Wells and Jeff Frazier, the Hens hit back-to-back home runs, courtesy of Ryan Strieby and Jeff Larish for a 3-0 lead.

Cody Ransom made it a tie game, though, with one swing of the bat in the home half of the first. Ransom hit his 13th home run, a three-run shot, over the left-center field fence to make it a 3-3 ballgame.

The Hens regained the lead in the third inning with a solo home run by Frazier. The 4-3 lead would hold up the rest of the game.

Toledo starter Ryan Ketchner (3-2) allowed just one hit over his final 4.1 innings following the three runs and two hits he surrendered in the first.

Casey Fien and Jay Sborz pitched the final 1.2 innings. Sborz collected his 13th save.

Game 2 will follow in approximately 30 minutes. Toledo and Lehigh Valley wrap up their series Friday at 7:05 p.m. The Hens return home June 12 for an eight-game homestand. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Scott Sizemore led off the game with a HR, his second homer of the season. It is the first leadoff HR for Toledo since Sizemore did it last July (7/24) against S/W-B - also in Game 1 of a doubleheader. Amazing!
* Ryan Streiby (5), Jeff Larish (7) and Jeff Frazier (9) also homered in the game.
* The Hens are now 5-1 in seven inning games.
* Sborz threw 10 consecutive strikes to begin the bottom of the seventh.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens end road trip with win over IronPigs
By David Schoenholtz
06/11/2010 11:40 PM ET

(Allentown, PA) - The Toledo Mud Hens wrapped up their eight-game road trip with an 8-4 win over the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Friday night at Coca-Cola Park.

Ruddy Lugo (1-3) bounced back from his worst start of the year to keep his team in the game, allowing three runs on six hits in five innings of work. He left with a 4-3 lead, but Daniel Schlereth gave up the tying run in the bottom of the seventh.

Jeff Larish hit a two-run home run off Ryan Vogelsong (2-4) in the eighth to make it a 5-4 game, and Ryan Strieby delivered the big blow - a three-run shot off Oscar Villareal in the top of the ninth - to provide the Hens with insurance.

Brendan Wise (2-0) earned the win with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief.

The Mud Hens have won their last three games and are now 33-26, while Lehigh Valley falls to 23-38.

The Hens return to Toledo to host the Rochester Red Wings on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 10,000 on the nose.
* Wilkin Ramirez, promoted earlier this week from Double-A Erie, drove in his first run as a Mud Hen this season.
* Jeff Larish hit his third home run in his last five games.
* Each team had 14 hits.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Five run lead doesn't hold up as Rochester claws back for 10-6 victory
By Kyle Rowland
06/12/2010 10:33 PM ET

TOLEDO, OHIO - The Toledo Mud Hens dropped the first game of its series, 10-6, to the Rochester Red Wings Saturday night at Fifth Third Field. The Hens led 5-0 after two innings, but could not overcome an offensive onslaught from the Wings after a 49 minute rain delay.

The Hens jumped out of the gate with two runs in the first inning, all coming on a two-run home run by Wilkin Ramirez. The deep drive to left-center field founds its way to Monroe Street. Scott Sizemore led off the game with a single.

Casper Wells continued the home run parade with a solo home run in the second inning to give Toledo a 3-0 lead. Brent Dlugach followed with a single and scored on an RBI double by Robinzon Diaz. With Wilkin Ramirez at the plate, the skies opened up and 49 minutes later we were playing baseball again. Jeff Frazier didn't seem to get cold during the delay as he hit an RBI single, scoring Diaz and giving the Hens a 5-0 advantage.

The Red Wings got three unearned runs in the top of the third to cut the Hen lead to 5-3. Brock Peterson led off the inning by reaching base on a Jeff Larish throwing error. He would make his way to third on another error, this time by L.J. Gagnier, allowing Toby Gardenhire to reach first safely. After a walk to Jason Repko, Yancarlos Ortiz hit an RBI single. The Hens finally got an out when Brian Dinkelman struck out swinging. Jose Morales made it a 5-2 game with an RBI single. Dustin Martin followed with a ground ball that the Hens weren't able to turn for a double play. Repko scored and it was a 5-3 ballgame. Wilson Ramos flew out to end the inning.

Rochester tied the game in the fourth on a solo home run by Peterson and RBI single by Ortiz to score Repko.

In the home half, Ryan Strieby gave the Mud Hens a 6-5 lead with a solo home run to right field.

Rob Delaney came on in relief for Rochester after Glen Perkins was ejected for hitting Jeff Larish. In his 3.2 innings pitched, Delaney allowed just one hit, striking out six and walking none.

The Red Wings would tie it again in the seventh. Ramos followed up a double by Martin with an RBI single.

Rochester would take the lead with two runs in the eighth. Peterson, who doubled to begin the inning, was driven in on a sacrifice fly by Ortiz to give the Wings their first lead of the game. It would be stretched to two runs after Matt Hoffman, on in relief, threw a wild pitch allowing Gardenhire to score.

The Wings added two more runs in the ninth for a 10-6.

Josh Rainwater (1-3) was credited with the loss, while Delany (7-3) picked up his seventh win in relief.

Toledo and Rochester continue their series Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 10,700 - eighth sellout of the season.
* Wilkin Ramirez hit his first HR as a Hen. He was leading the Eastern League in HRs with 15 at Double-A Erie.
* Casper Wells' HR was his 10th of the season.
* Glen Perkins was ejected after hitting Jeff Larish with a pitch in the bottom of the fifth inning.
* There was a 49 minute rain delay in the bottom of the second inning.
* Wilson Ramos is 8-for-19 (.421) with five RBI and a run scored in five games vs. the Mud Hens this season.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Frazier's two homers lead Hens over Wings, 8-3!
By David Schoenholtz
06/13/2010 9:29 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens got back in the win column with an 8-3 victory over the Rochester Red Wings on Sunday night at Fifth Third Field.

The Hens loaded the bases but could not score in the bottom of the first inning. Scott Sizemore hit a leadoff single and moved to second on a bunt single by Will Rhymes. After Jeff Frazier grounded into a double play, Matt Fox (4-4) walked Ryan Strieby and Jeff Larish before striking out Casper Wells to end the threat.

The Red Wings got on the board in the top of the second against Alfredo Figaro (5-4). Jose Morales led off with a triple and scored on a Dustin Martin groundout.

The Mud Hens responded in the bottom of the inning by batting around and scoring five runs of their own. With one out, Wilkin Ramirez singled, Jeff Kunkel walked, and Sizemore to load the bases. Rhymes then hit an 0-2 pitch just fair down the first-base line to drive in two. Frazier followed with a single to score Sizemore, and after Strieby struck out and Larish walked, Wells hit an RBI single to make it a 5-1 game.

Frazier launched his 10th home run of the season onto Monroe Street to lead off the bottom of the fourth.

After Brian Dinkelman took Figaro deep for a two-run home run in the sixth inning to cut Toledo's lead to 6-3, Toledo came right back with a pair of runs on back-to-back long balls in the bottom of the inning. Frazier hit his second homer of the game and Strieby followed suit, making the score 8-3, which was the final.

Figaro earned the win, and Fox took the loss for Toledo.

The Mud Hens improve to 36-28, while the Red Wings fall to 27-37.

The Mud Hens continue their series with Rochester on Monday night at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 7,637
* Game Time Temperature: 78 degrees
* One day after Casper Wells took the team lead, Jeff Frazier matched his teammate with his 10th home run of the season and added his 11th later in the game.
* Jeff Frazier and Ryan Strieby hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Mud Hens have hit back-to-back homers five times this season, and each occurrence has involved either Frazier or Strieby.
* Rochester's Matt Fox walked seven - including Jeff Larish three times - in 4.2 innings of work.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Frazier hits two homers for second straight day as Hens beat Wings 7-5
By Kyle Rowland
06/14/2010 8:02 PM ET

TOLEDO, OHIO - The Toledo Mud Hens won their second consecutive game Monday with a 7-5 triumph over the Rochester Red Wings at Fifth Third Field. Jeff Frazier continued his bashing ways, hitting two home runs to pace the Mud Hens.

Frazier's power surge started tonight in the first inning as he belted a solo home run to put the Hens in front 1-0. It was Frazier's third home run in two days.

Rochester scored two runs in the top of the second to take a one run lead. The Red Wings' runs were courtesy of four consecutive singles. Toby Gardenhire and Jason Repko each had RBI singles.

The Hens tied it in the bottom half. After Brent Dlugach led off the inning with a ground out, Wilkin Ramirez singled and then stole second. Robinzon Diaz hit an RBI single to make it a 2-2 ballgame. Diaz was then picked off during Scott Sizemore's at-bat and Will Rhymes grounded out to end the inning.

The Red Wings were back at it in the third with two more runs. Jose Morales singled with one out and Dustin Martin followed with a double to put two runners in scoring position with an out. Wilson Ramos brought Morales home with an RBI single and after a Matt Macri strikeout, Brock Peterson drove in Martin with a line drive to left to give Rochester a 4-2 lead. Gardenhire popped out to end the inning.

Scot Drucker, who made a spot start for the Hens, struggled going 3.0 innings while giving up nine hits, four runs and two home runs. He struck out one and walked one.

Toledo came on heavy in the fifth with four runs to take a 6-4 lead. Diaz led off the inning with a single. Sizemore was hit by a pitch before Rhymes hit an RBI single to score Diaz and cut the Wing lead to one run. In stepped Jeff Frazier, who is arguably the hottest player in the International League. He continued his hot streak with a moon shot to left field. The three-run homer gave Toledo a 6-4 lead. The inning ended with three consecutive outs.

The Hens added a run in the seventh on an RBI double by Ryan Strieby. Sizemore, who reached on an error, scored on the play, giving Toledo a 7-4 lead.

The eighth inning started off with Jay Sborz hitting Ramos with a pitch. Macri followed with a single before Peterson hit a grounder that the Hens were only able to turn into one out, coming at second base. Ramos scored on a sacrifice fly by Gardenhire, making it 7-5. The Hens were able to get out of the inning without allowing more runs.

Brendan Wise (3-0), who pitched three perfect innings in relief, got the win. Sborz picked up his 14th save, fourth most in the IL.

Toledo and Rochester conclude their series Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Jeff Frazier hit two home runs for the second straight day.
* Frazier was 2-for-4 with two HRs, four RBI and two runs.
* Max Leon replaced Wilkin Ramirez after he left with an injury in the bottom of the fourth.
* Ramirez was 2-for-2 with a run before leaving.
* Brendan Wise threw three perfect innings in relief, striking out two.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens fall 12-6 to Rochester
By David Schoenholtz
06/15/2010 3:01 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens gave up seven runs in the fourth inning and lost 12-6 to the Rochester Red Wings on Tuesday afternoon at Fifth Third Field.

The Hens loaded the bases in the bottom of the first inning and scored on a fielder's choice off the bat of Jeff Larish. Scott Sizemore grounded out to start the frame, but Will Rhymes was hit by a pitch and moved to third on a double by Jeff Frazier. Ryan Mullins (4-5) walked Ryan Strieby before Larish came up and drove in Toledo's first run of the game. Casper Wells then flied out to end the rally.

The Red Wings put two runners on in the top of the third against Billy Buckner (1-2), but failed to score. They finally got on the board in the fourth inning on a Dustin Martin triple and a two-out infield single by Matt Macri. Wilson Ramos, Toby Gardenhire, and Jason Repko followed with singles of their own, and Rochester had a 3-1 lead. Yancarlos Ortiz then hit a line drive off the glove of Scott Sizemore that was ruled an error and allowed an unearned run to score. Brian Dinkelman hit a double to the left-center field gap to drive in two more, and Jose Morales, who had led off the inning, doubled as well. When the inning was finally over, the Mud Hens trailed 7-1.

The Mud Hens responded in the bottom of the inning by scoring twice - once on a home run by Larish and once on a Max Leon RBI single that plated Wells, who had doubled with one out.

Toledo continued to chip away in the fifth inning. With one out, Rhymes singled and Frazier doubled. Strieby then hit a ground ball to shortstop that scored Rhymes with the Hens' fourth run.

Rochester batted around in the top of the sixth and added four runs off Josh Rainwater. A leadoff walk to Ortiz and a two-out RBI double by Martin made it 8-3, and two walks, a passed ball, and two singles later, the Red Wings had 11 runs.

The Hens continued the scoring in the bottom of the inning, as Leon hit a sacrifice fly to score Wells, and Kunkel contributed an RBI groundout to plate Brent Dlugach.

The Red Wings wasted little time when they came to bat in the top of the seventh, as Ortiz doubled down the left-field line and scored on a single by Dinkelman.

The last two and a half innings were scoreless, as Casey Fien and Anthony Slama combined to allow just two hits.

Mullins earned the win, and Buckner took the loss for Toledo.

The Mud Hens fall to 37-29, while the Red Wings improve to 28-38.

After an off-day on Wednesday, the Mud Hens begin a series with Norfolk on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 7,523
* Jeff Frazier hit his 21st and 22nd doubles to take the International League lead.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Ketchner's performance all for naught as Tides rally for 6-3 victory
By Kyle Rowland
06/17/2010 8:28 PM ET

TOLEDO, OHIO - The Toledo Mud Hens fell in its series opener to Norfolk, 6-3, in front of a sold out crowd at Fifth Third Field. The Tides rallied with five runs in the eighth to secure its victory. Ryan Ketchner, who was outstanding in his 6.1 innings of work, got a no-decision.

Norfolk began the scoring in the top of the third with an unearned run. Former Ohio State Buckeye Matt Angle singled with one out. He advanced to second after Ketchner's throw to first was wild. Angle wasn't done scooting around the bases yet, though, as he stole third. Robert Andino brought him home with a sacrifice fly to put the Tides up 1-0.

The Hens followed it up in the bottom half with three runs. Brent Dlugach and Jeff Frazier led off the inning with back-to-back singles before Ryan Strieby struck out. Jeff Larish followed with a three-run homer to dead center, giving the Hens a 3-1 lead.

Norfolk starter Brad Bergesen went only 2.2 innings, giving up three runs on five hits. He struck out two and walked two.

Jim Miller came on to relieve Bergesen and was phenomenal in his 3.1 innings of work. He allowed one hit, struck out five and walked none.

Norfolk took the lead in the eighth with five runs. Paco Figueroa led off the inning with a single. Angle followed with a walk and Andino singled to load the bases. Jeff Salazar hit a grounder to first, but Frazier's throw home was in the dirt and a run scored, making it a 3-2 ballgame. Daniel Schlereth then walked in a run to tie the game. The Tides would take the lead on a two-run, two-RBI double giving Norfolk a 5-3 lead. It would grow to 6-3 after a Brandon Snyder sacrifice fly. The inning ended on a Figueroa ground out.

Mike Hinckley (1-3) picked up his first win of the season. Dennis Sarfate collected his ninth save.

Toledo and Norfolk continue their series Friday at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 9,122. The ninth sellout of the season and 247th all-time at Fifth Third Field.
* Jeff Larish hit his 10th HR.
* Ketchner's line: 6.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
* Jeff Frazier extended his hitting streak to eight games.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Homers lead Hens 6-4 over Norfolk
By David Schoenholtz
06/18/2010 9:42 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens used the long ball to beat the Norfolk Tides 6-4 on Friday night at Fifth Third Field.

The Tides got on the board in the top of the first inning. Matt Angle drew a leadoff walk, stole second, and went to third as Jeff Kunkel's throw went into center field. Robert Andino followed with an RBI groundout to make it a 1-0 game.

The Hens responded in the bottom of the inning with three runs of their own off Chris George (2-2). Brent Dlugach hit a one-out single and was forced out on a fielder's choice off the bat of Jeff Frazier. After Frazier stole second base, Ryan Strieby walked and Jeff Larish launched a three-run home run to right field to give the Hens a 3-1 lead.

A Blake Davis RBI groundout scored Norfolk's second run of the game in the top of the second, but the Tides never caught up with the Hens.

With two outs in the bottom of the second, Jeff Kunkel singled and scored on Scott Sizemore's third home run since being optioned to Toledo last month.

Norfolk put two on with one out in the top of the fourth, but Ruddy Lugo (2-3) got Davis to ground into an inning-ending double play to end the threat.

Toledo tacked on another run in the bottom of the fourth on a double by Kunkel, a sacrifice by Sizemore, and a Dlugach single. Frazier and Larish walked to load the bases, but Casper Wells's line drive found Josh Bell's glove to end the inning.

Lugo walked two in the top of the fifth before Michael Aubrey delivered a two-run double to cut the Mud Hen lead to 6-4.

Josh Rainwater came out of the bullpen to throw three scoreless innings, and Jay Sborz pitched around a two-out error in the ninth to earn the save.

Lugo picked up the win, and George took the loss for Norfolk.

The Mud Hens improve to 38-30, while the Tides fall to 30-39.

The Hens continue their series with Norfolk on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 10,300
* Jeff Larish hit a home run in his third consecutive game.
* Jeff Kunkel collected three hits. Entering the game, he had been 0 for his last 12.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Diaz and Larish continue their hot streaks, but Hens fall 10-3 to Norfolk
By Kyle Rowland
06/19/2010 8:03 PM ET

TOLEDO, OHIO - The Toledo Mud Hens fell hard Saturday night, 10-3, to the Norfolk Tides. The hits came often for Norfolk as they racked up 14 for the game.

The Hens got on the board early, scoring a run in the first on a one-out RBI double by Jeff Frazier. Scott Sizemore scored on the play after leading off the inning with a double. Toledo had two on with two out, but couldn't convert it into any more runs.

Norfolk responded with four runs in the top of the second to take a 4-1 lead. Josh Bell grounded out to begin the inning before Nolan Reimold doubled. He would advance to third on a wild pitch by L.J. Gagnier (3-3) before scoring on an error by Gagnier. Back-to-back singles by Michel Hernandez and Paco Figueroa made it a 3-1 ballgame. Matt Angle followed it with an RBI double to extend the lead to three before Jeff Salazar struck out to end the inning.

The Hens loaded the bases with one out in the home half, but an uncharacteristic double play ended their chances at scoring. Brent Dlugach flew out to left field. On the play, Wilkin Ramirez tagged at third and went home as Robinzon Diaz tried to tag from second to third. Diaz was thrown out at third, however, before Ramirez touched the plate resulting in confusion and zero runs.

A solo home run by Bell in the third gave the Tides a 5-1 lead.

Toledo got within two runs of Norfolk after scoring two in the fifth. With two on, Jeff Larish continued his hot streak blasting a two-RBI double to the gap in left.

Once again, though, Norfolk answered, scoring three runs in the top of the sixth. Hernandez singled with one out and scored on a triple by Figueroa to make it a 6-3 ballgame. The Tides would add two more after a Angle single and Jeff Salazar home run.

It was 10-3 after Salazar hit his second home run of the night, this time a two-run shot to the Roost in the eighth inning.

Troy Patton (5-7) picked up the win while Gagnier suffered his first home loss of the year.

Toledo and Norfolk conclude their series Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 10,300. The 11th sellout of the season and 249th in Fifth Third Field history.
* Jeff Larish is 6 for his last 9 (.667) with two HRs, a double, eight RBI and two runs.
* Robinzon Diaz stretched his team-leading hit streak to seven games.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens end homestand with 5-1 win over Norfolk
By David Schoenholtz
06/20/2010 9:12 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens got a much-needed strong performance from their starting pitcher, and beat the Norfolk Tides 5-1 before a sell-out crowd on Sunday night at Fifth Third Field.

The game was scoreless until the top of the third, when Norfolk strung together three singles to score a run off Alfredo Figaro (6-4).

The Hens finally got on the board in the fourth inning. Jeff Frazier hit an opposite-field home run - his team-leading 14th of the year - off Brandon Erbe (0-10).

In the fifth, Wilkin Ramirez reached on an error by Norfolk shortstop Paco Figueroa, stole second, and moved to third on a groundout by Jon Weber. Will Rhymes then singled to give Toledo a 2-1 lead. Rhymes stole second, and Brent Dlugach and Frazier walked to load the bases. Erbe got out of the jam by inducing Jeff Larish to ground into an inning-ending double play.

Figaro's night ended after Matt Angle hit a leadoff double in the top of the eighth and went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Joey Gathright. Daniel Schlereth came in and retired Jeff Salazar on and Josh Bell to strand Gathright and put an end to the Norfolk threat.

Toledo tacked on three insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth on a three-run home run off the bat of Casper Wells.

Jay Sborz pitched a perfect ninth to finish off the Tides.

Figaro allowed just one run on eight hits in 7.1 innings of work, and earned the win. Erbe took the loss for Norfolk.

The Mud Hens improve to 39-31, while the Tides fall to 31-40.

The Hens travel to Louisville for a series with the Bats followed by a trip to Indianapolis for four games with the Indians. They return to Toledo to host the Gwinnett Braves on Tuesday, June 29th at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 10,300 - the 12th sellout of the season for the Mud Hens.
* Scott Sizemore, who had started the previous 31 games, received the day off.
* Alfredo Figaro went 7.1 innings - his longest outing of the year.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Trio of Dlugach, Rhymes and Buckner lead Hens in 6-0 triumph of Louisville
By Kyle Rowland
06/21/2010 8:26 PM ET

LOUISVILLE, KY. - The Toledo Mud Hens began their road trip with a 6-0 victory over the Louisville Bats Monday night at Louisville Slugger Field. It was Toledo's fourth consecutive win on the road.

Toledo starter Billy Buckner (2-2) was outstanding, allowing just four hits in eight innings. Remarkably, he had zero strikeouts.

After tallying three hits in the first four innings, the Mud Hens finally got a digit in the run column in the fifth. Will Rhymes hit a one-out single to begin the threat. He then stole second and advanced to third when Louisville catcher Chris Denove's throw went into centerfield. Rhymes then scored on a single by Jeff Kunkel.

Toledo would add to its lead in the sixth. After Ryan Strieby grounded out to begin the inning, Jeff Larish and Casper Wells got back-to-back walks. Wilkin Ramirez struck out for the second out before Rhymes hit a bases-clearing doubles to put the Hens up 3-0. Rhymes then stole third for his second stolen base of the night. Kunkel would follow with an RBI single, scoring Rhymes from third, just like he did the inning prior. It appeared that the inning would end when Scott Sizemore grounded to third baseman Todd Frazier, but an error allowed him to reach base safely and extend the inning. It would come back to haunt the Bats as Brent Dlugach hit a double, scoring Kunkel and Sizemore to put the Hens in front 6-0.

The first time the Bats threatened was in the bottom of the eighth. With two outs, they were able to load the bases. The threat was short lived, though, as Buckner was able to induce a ground out to end the inning.

Casey Fien pitched an uneventful ninth for the Hens.

Toledo and Louisville continue their four-game series Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. The Hens return home Tuesday, June 29 for a seven game homestand vs. Gwinnett and Columbus. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Buckner's line: 8 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
* Brent Dlugach was 4-for-5 with two RBI.
* Will Rhymes was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens' win streak ends in Louisville
By David Schoenholtz
06/22/2010 9:51 PM ET

(Louisville, KY) - The Toledo Mud Hens got another strong outing from Ryan Ketchner, but lost to the Louisville Bats, 3-2, on Tuesday night at Louisville Slugger Field.

The Bats took the lead on a home run to straightaway center field by Todd Frazier, younger brother of Toledo's Jeff Frazier, in the bottom of the second inning.

Toledo tied the game in the top of the third. Casper Wells led off with a double off Chad Reineke (4-5) but wound up on third base as Louisville rightfielder Wladimir Balentien could not field the ball cleanly. Wilkin Ramirez followed with a single to drive in Wells.

In the top of the fifth, Jon Weber hit his first home run both as a Mud Hen and of the season to give the Hens a 2-1 lead.

The third solo homer of the game - this one by Louisville's Yonder Alonso - tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Brendan Wise (3-1) relieved Ketchner to start the bottom of the seventh, and gave up a run on a pair of singles, the latter of which scored Chris Valaika to make it a 3-2 game in favor of Louisville.

Jeff Frazier led off the top of the ninth with a single to chase Reineke. Bill Bray came in and closed out the game by striking out Jeff Larish, getting Ryan Strieby to line out to center, and striking out Weber.

Reineke earned the win with eight innings of two-run ball. Wise took the loss for Toledo.

The Mud Hens fall to 40-32 and remain in second place in the IL West behind Columbus.

The Hens continue their series with the Bats on Wednesday. They travel to Indianapolis for four games with the Indians beginning on Friday, and return to Toledo to host the Gwinnett Braves on Tuesday, June 29th at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Toledo's road winning streak ended at four games.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens can't take advantage of Louisville errors
By David Schoenholtz
06/23/2010 2:37 PM ET

(Louisville, KY) - The Toledo Mud Hens could not capitalize on three errors by their opponents, and lost to the Louisville Bats, 7-4, on Wednesday morning at Louisville Slugger Field.

The Hens scored first on a sacrifice fly by Will Rhymes in the top of the third, but their lead did not last long, as three Louisville singles in the bottom of the inning tied the game. The Bats took the lead on a two-run home run by Todd Frazier in the fourth.

Toledo and Louisville traded runs in the sixth inning, the bottom half of which featured the departure of Mud Hens starter Ruddy Lugo (2-4).

The Bats added three insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. The big blow was a two-run triple off the bat of Zack Cozart.

Toledo's Jeff Frazier hit his International League-leading 24th double of the season in the top of the eighth inning and scored on a Ryan Strieby single to make it a 7-3 game.

Wilkin Ramirez hit a solo homer in the top of the ninth to cut the Louisville lead to 7-4, which was the final score.

Edinson Volquez (1-0), on a rehab assignment for the Cincinnati Reds, earned the win. Lugo took the loss for Toledo.

The Mud Hens fall to 40-33, while Louisville improves to 34-39.

The Hens conclude their series with the Bats on Thursday. They travel to Indianapolis for four games with the Indians beginning on Friday, and return to Toledo to host the Gwinnett Braves on Tuesday, June 29th at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Casper Wells was ejected in the fourth inning.
* Jeff Frazier hit his International League-leading 24th double of the season in the top of the eighth inning.
* Louisville's Aroldis Chapman made his first professional relief appearance.
* Toledo's record against Louisville is now 3-6. The only other team with a winning record against the Mud Hens is the Norfolk Tides.
* The Mud Hens are 1-6 on Wednesdays.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Rick Porcello was nearly flawless as Wilkin Ramirez provided the offense in Toledo's 6-1 victory at Louisville
By Kyle Rowland
06/24/2010 9:16 PM ET

LOUISVILLE, KY. - The Toledo Mud Hens earned a series split with a 6-1 win over the Louisville Bats Thursday night. In his first career Triple-A start, Rick Porcello (1-0) pitched eight one-hit innings.

Porcello had a no-hitter through 4.1 innings. He struck out three, walked one and hit a batter. Louisville managed to get an unearned run off him. It is the second time this season a Detroit Tigers pitcher has come down to Toledo and pitched eight one-hit innings. The other was Max Scherzer.

Louisville had only four base runners all game.

Wilkin Ramirez put the Hens on the board with a two-run home run in the top of the second inning. It was Ramirez's third home run of the season. Ryan Strieby walked to lead off the inning.

The Hens added their lead with two more runs in the third. Will Rhymes and Brent Dlugach hit back-to-back singles to lead off the inning before Jeff Frazier struck out. Louisville starter Ben Jukick (2-4) then walked Strieby to load the bases. A second consecutive walk to Jeff Larish allowed Rhymes to score and keep the bases loaded for Toledo. Ramirez, again, came through in the clutch with a single, scoring Dlugach and putting the Hens up 4-0. Outs by Casper Wells and Max Leon ended the inning.

It was 5-0 after Larish hit an RBI single in the fifth. Frazier scored on the play. He led off the inning with a strike out but advanced to first on a wild pitch.

With one out in the bottom of the fifth, Louisville finally got its first hit of the game, a double by Juan Francisco. He would score one batter later on a throwing error by Brent Dlugach, making it a 5-1 ballgame.

Toledo added an insurance run in the ninth to take a five run lead to the bottom half.

Casey Fien came on to pitch a perfect inning.

Toledo heads to Indianapolis for a four-game series with the Indians beginning Friday at 7:15 p.m. The Hens return home Tuesday, June 29 for a seven game homestand vs. Gwinnett and Columbus. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Wilkin Ramirez hit his third HR of the season.
* Ramirez was 2-for-5 with a HR, three RBI and two runs.
* Porcello's line: 8 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens blow five-run lead, fall to Indians 9-8
By David Schoenholtz
06/25/2010 10:34 PM ET

(Indianapolis, IN) - The Toledo Mud Hens could not hold onto an early five-run lead and lost to the Indianapolis Indians, 9-8, on Friday night at Victory Field.

The Hens got to Indianapolis starter Mike Crotta for four runs in the top of the second inning. Ryan Strieby led off with a double and moved to third on a single by Jeff Larish. After Wilkin Ramirez struck out and Casper Wells drew a walk to load the bases, Jon Weber swung at the first pitch he saw and hit a double down the left-field line to score two. Jeff Kunkel then drove a ball to deep right-center for a two-run triple and the Mud Hens had a 4-0 lead.

In the top of the third, Larish singled to drive in Jeff Frazier, who led off the inning with his International League-leading 25th double of the season, to make the score 5-0.

The Indians finally got to L.J. Gagnier in the bottom of the inning. Brandon Moss and Jim Negrych hit back-to-back singles to put runners at the corners, and after Steve Pearce lined out to Larish, Jeff Clement doubled to cut the Mud Hen lead to 5-2.

Toledo and Indianapolis traded runs in the fourth inning. Weber walked to begin the top half and scored on a Will Rhymes double. With two outs in the bottom half, Indy's Kevin Melillo walked, went to third on a single by Moss, and scored as the throw from the rightfielder Wells hit Melillo's helmet and caromed into the stands.

The Indians came back and took the lead in the bottom of the sixth against Scot Drucker (2-3), who allowed five hits and a walk before getting pulled. The Tribe sent 10 batters to the plate and scored six times; when the inning finally ended, Indianapolis led 9-6.

Frazier's two-run home run - his 15th - brought Toledo within a run in the top of the ninth, but Jean Machi got Strieby to fly out to deep center field to pick up the save and nail down the Indian victory.

Former Mud Hen Corey Hamman (1-1) earned the win with two innings of scoreless relief, while Drucker took the loss for Toledo.

The Mud Hens fall to 41-34 and are tied with Indianapolis for second place in the IL West.

The Hens continue their series with the Indians on Saturday. They return to Toledo to host the Gwinnett Braves on Tuesday, June 29th at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Jeff Frazier hit his 25th double of the season in the top of the third inning and continues to lead the International League. He added a two-run home run - his 15th - in the top of the ninth.
* Jeff Kunkel had his third three-hit game since being promoted to Toledo earlier this month.
* Indians starting pitcher Mike Crotta struck out Wilkin Ramirez three times.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens can't solve Indians, lose 6-4
By David Schoenholtz
06/26/2010 10:30 PM ET

(Indianapolis, IN) - The Toledo Mud Hens collected 12 hits but fell to the Indianapolis Indians, 6-4, on Saturday night at Victory Field.

The Hens got to Indianapolis starter Jeremy Powell (4-6) for two runs in the top of the first inning. Will Rhymes singled to lead off the game and was forced at second on a Jon Weber fielder's choice. After a passed ball allowed Weber to move into scoring position, Jeff Frazier hit his International League-leading 26th double of the season to give Toledo an early advantage. Ryan Strieby then singled to score Frazier and the Mud Hens had a 2-0 lead before Alfredo Figaro (6-5) threw a pitch.

The Indians loaded the bases in the bottom of the second, but Figaro induced an inning-ending double play off the bat of Argenis Diaz to keep the home team off the board.

Indianapolis's Brandon Moss hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the third to tie the game at 2-2.

The Tribe took the lead in the fourth on a double by Brian Myrow, an Alex Presley groundout, and an RBI single by Erik Kratz. Diaz then tripled to drive in Kratz and make it a 4-2 game. A Kevin Melillo sacrifice fly scored the fifth Indianapolis run.

Jim Negrych led off the bottom of the fifth inning with a home run to extend the Tribe lead to 6-2. After Steve Pearce flied out to the warning track in dead center, Toledo manager Larry Parrish made the move to the bullpen and Figaro's night was done.

Jeff Larish's 12th home run cut the deficit to 6-3 in the top of the sixth. In the seventh, the Hens continued to chip away, as Rhymes hit an RBI single to make it 6-4, which turned out to be the final score.

Powell picked up the win, while Figaro took the loss for Toledo. Wilfredo Ledezma recorded the last four outs to earn his seventh save.

The Mud Hens fall to 41-35 and are now in third place in the IL West.

The Hens continue their series with the Indians on Sunday. They return to Toledo to host the Gwinnett Braves on Tuesday, June 29th at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Jeff Frazier hit his International League-leading 26th double of the season in the top of the first inning.
* Robinzon Diaz went 0-4 and saw his eight-game hitting streak come to an end.
* Will Rhymes was ejected after being called out on a close play at first base in the top of the ninth inning.


This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hens dominated in 15-3 loss to Indianapolis
By Kyle Rowland
06/27/2010 3:41 PM ET

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Toledo Mud Hens lost their third consecutive game, losing 15-3 to the Indianapolis Indians Sunday afternoon. The Indians tallied 19 hits.

The Mud Hens sprinted out of the gate with three runs in the top of the first. Will Rhymes led off the game with a walk and Justin Henry, playing in his first game as a Hen, followed with a single. Jeff Frazier and Ryan Strieby flew out and struck out, respectively, before Jeff Larish singled, scoring Rhymes and Henry. Wilkin Ramirez continued the onslaught with an RBI triple to put the Hens up 3-0. Casper Wells struck out to end the inning.

Jeff Clement cut the Toledo lead to 3-1 with a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the second inning. Brian Myrow followed it up with a homer of his own and all of a sudden it was a one run game. Toledo starter Bill Buckner walked Erik Kratz before striking out Jonathan Van Every for the first out of the inning. Doug Bernier and Akinori Iwamura walked to load the bases. A single by Brandon Moss put Indianapolis up 4-3. Alex Presley followed with another single to put the Indians ahead 5-3. A sacrifice fly by Steven Pearce made it a three-run lead for Indy. The Hens finally got out of the inning when Jeff Clement, who lead off the inning, popped out.

Toledo loaded the bases with one out in the third but couldn't drive in a run.

Indianapolis added six more runs in the fourth. All six runs came with two outs in the inning. After a walk to Van Every, Bernier doubled making it a 7-3 ballgame. Iwamura followed with a walk before Moss, Presley and Pearce hit back-to-back-to-back home runs, giving the Indians a 12-3 lead.

Pressley drove in another run in the bottom of the fifth to put the Indians up 10 runs.

Indianapolis added two more runs in the sixth to take a 15-3 lead, which was the final margin.

Toledo and Indianapolis wrap up their series Monday at 7:00 p.m. The Hens return home Tuesday, June 29 for a seven game homestand vs. Gwinnett and Columbus. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* In his first game as a Hen, Justin Henry was 2-for-5 with a run and a stolen base.
* Indianapolis hit back-to-back HRs in the second and back-to-back-to-back HRs in the third.
* The Indians sent 10 batter to the plate in the second and third inning.
* Indianapolis' Brandon Moss went 2-for-6 with a HR, two runs and five RBI.
* Indianapolis' Alex Presley hit for the cycle in just his third Triple-A game.
* Max Leon replaced Jeff Frazier at first base in the fifth inning.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.