2010 Toledo Mud Hens Schedule and Results

Will Rhymes' inside-the-park-home run provides plenty of drama but Hens lose, 6-5, in heartbreaking fashion
By Kyle Rowland
06/28/2010 9:04 PM ET

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Toledo Mud Hens were swept for the first time this season, losing 6-5 to the Indianapolis Indians. Only three of the six Indy runs were earned as the Hens made three errors.

After Will Rhymes tied the game at five in the top of the ninth with an inside-the-park-home run, Kevin Melillo hit a game-winning homer off Jay Sborz (1-2) in the bottom of the ninth.

Indianapolis got the first runs of the game in the bottom of the fourth, scoring twice. With one out, Jim Negrych singled up the middle. Steve Pearce flew out for the second out of the inning before Jeff Clement and Brandon Moss, two of the main contributors in Sunday's 15-3 rout, came through with a double and triple to give Louisville a 2-0 lead.

The Hens came back in the fifth with a run to cut the score to 2-1. Casper Wells led off the inning by walking and eventually made his way to third base on a Max Leon ground out and wild pitch. He scored on a ground out by Robinson Diaz.

The Indians answered with two more runs in the home half. Doug Bernier singled to lead off the frame and Argenis Diaz reached base on a fielding error by Brent Dlugach. A sac bunt by Melillo put runners on second and third. After Alex Presley lined out, Negrych hit a two-RBI single to put the Tribe up 4-1. Pearce grounded out to end the inning.

The Mud Hens tied the game with a three-run seventh. A Wilkin Ramirez single kick started the inning for the Hens. After Wells struck out, Leon singled and Diaz followed with a walk to load the bases. Rhymes hit a line-drive RBI single to bring in Ramirez, making it 4-2. Indianapolis pitcher Danny Moskos then issued a bases loaded walk to Dlugach that put Toledo within one run at 4-3. Jeff Frazier struck out for the second out but Moskos again walked someone with the bases loaded, this time it was Ryan Streiby and suddenly the game was tied at four. Jeff Larish lined out to end the inning.

The lead was short-lived, though, as Indianapolis scored in the bottom of the seventh. Bernier scored after reaching first on Brent Dlugach's second error of the night. There was also an error by Diaz on the play he scored, as well as a wild pitch.

Rhymes tied the game at five apiece with a dramatic sprint around the bases for an inside-the-park-home run. It was Rhymes' first homer of the season and first inside the parker for Toledo since Andres Torres accomplished the feat against Durham in the 2007 playoffs.

Like they have done all series, Indianapolis answered as Melillo hit a game-winning solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to give the Indians a 6-5 victory.

The Hens return home Tuesday for a seven game homestand vs. Gwinnett and Columbus. Toledo and Gwinnett square off at 7 p.m. Tuesday night. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Will Rhymes' inside-the-park-home run was his first HR of the season and the first inside the parker for Toledo since Andres Torres in September of 2007.
* Ryan Ketchner had six strikeouts in 5.1 innings.
* Toledo had three errors.
* The Hens have lost a season-high four games and were swept for the first time all season.


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

Mud Hens fall to Braves on Tuesday, 7-3
By Kyle Rowland
06/29/2010 8:03 PM ET

TOLEDO, Ohio - Mired in a season long four-game losing streak, the Toledo Mud Hens could not break out of their funk Tuesday night, losing 7-3 to the Gwinnett Braves in front of a sold out Fifth Third Field.

Matt Young and Wes Timmons led off the game for Gwinnett with back-to-back singles. Young was able to advance to third on Timmons' base knock and crossed the plate when Freddie Freeman grounded into a double play. The run gave the Braves an early 1-0 lead.

The Mud Hens wouldn't be behind for long as Will Rhymes tripled to begin the home half. It was Rhymes' second consecutive triple, dating back to Monday's game in Indianapolis. Toledo evened things up on a Jeff Frazier sac fly.

The Hens would take the lead in the third. Jon Weber, Jeff Kunkel and Rhymes all had singles to start the half inning. After Casper Wells struck out, Frazier hit a ground ball that could not be turned for two, scoring Weber from third. Rhymes advanced to third on Timmons' error. He scored on a balk by Gwinnett starter Ryne Reynoso (2-5).

Gwinnett regained the lead with four runs in the fifth. Like the Hens in the third, the Braves started off the inning with three straight singles. Matt Young hit the third and scored Josh Anderson on the grounder to center field. A double by Freeman made it 4-3 in favor of the Braves. Diory Hernandez continued the onslaught with an RBI single making it a 5-3 ballgame. The inning finally ended with a groundout to Joe Thurston.

The Hens loaded the bases with one out in bottom of the sixth but came away empty handed.

The Braves added another run in the seventh. With one out and runners on first and second, Hernandez hit an RBI double to put the Braves three clear of the Hens, 6-3.

Gwinnett got an insurance run in the ninth as Freeman hit a solo home run to give the Braves a 7-3 lead.

Rick Pocello (1-1) lost for the first time at the Triple-A level.

The Hens and Braves continue their series Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 9,430 - The 13th sellout of the season and 251st in Fifth Third Field history.
* Will Rhymes had back-to-back triples (Ninth inning Monday and first inning Tuesday).
* Gwinnett manager Dave Brundage was ejected prior to the top of the sixth inning.
* Ryan Perry made his 2010 Mud Hen debut.
* Ryne Reynoso struck out eight in five innings of work.

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

Leon homers but Hens fall to Gwinnett
By David Schoenholtz
06/30/2010 10:19 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens closed out the month of June by losing to the Gwinnett Braves 6-4 on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Field. It was the sixth consecutive sellout for the Mud Hens and 14th overall this season. Incidentally, it was also Toledo's sixth consecutive loss.

The Hens got to Gwinnett starter Jose Ortegano early, loading the bases in the bottom of the first inning on a pair of walks and a bunt single before Brent Dlugach lined a two-run single to center field.

The Braves responded with two runs of their own in the top of the second off L.J. Gagnier. Diory Hernandez singled, Mitch Jones walked, and Joe Thurston singled to plate Hernandez. After Gagnier struck out Josh Anderson, J.C. Boscan hit a slow ground ball to third. Jeff Larish threw home but Jones's slide just beat the tag by Jeff Kunkel, and the game was tied.

Barbaro Canizares hit a solo home run to give Gwinnett a 3-2 lead in the top of the third.

The Braves added another run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Hernandez.

The Mud Hens put two on with one out in the bottom of the sixth, but Gwinnett reliever Scott Proctor struck out Dlugach and Casper Wells to end the threat.

Toledo tied the game in the bottom of the seventh off Proctor. Max Leon led off the frame with his second home run of the season. Kunkel drew a walk and Will Rhymes laid down a bunt single. After Wilkin Ramirez flied out, Jeff Frazier singled off the third baseman's glove to load the bases. A Larish sac fly allowed Kunkel to come home to even the score at 4-4.

The Braves came right back with three runs in the top of the eighth with three runs on four singles off Brendan Wise (3-1).

Wise took the loss for Toledo, while Proctor picked up the win for Gwinnett. Michael Dunn earned his sixth save.

The Mud Hens are now 41-39 and continue to fall in the IL West standings.

The Hens continue their series with the Braves on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Game Time Temperature: 72 degrees
* Attendance: 9,247 - the sixth consecutive sellout for the Mud Hens and 14th overall this season.
* In the second and third innings, Gwinnett starting pitcher Jose Ortegano struck out five in a row.
* Jeff Frazier and Jay Sborz were named to the International

League All-Star team. The game, hosted by Lehigh Valley, will take place on Wednesday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m.

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

Mud Hens stymied by Minor's pitching, lose 4-2 to Gwinnett
By Kyle Rowland
07/01/2010 7:58 PM ET

TOLEDO, Ohio - Aided by superb pitching, the Gwinnett Braves defeated the Toledo Mud Hens, 4-2, Thursday night at Fifth Third Field. It is the sixth straight loss for Toledo.

Making his first career Triple-A start, Mike Minor (1-0) pitched like a polished veteran, striking out nine in 7.2 innings. He allowed just one run on three hits and walked three.

Gwinnett got four runs in the third. Jordan Schafer grounded out to begin the inning, but it would be the only out recorded among the first six batters. Josh Anderson and Clint Sammons hit back-to-back singles before Toledo starter Alfredo Figaro (6-6) walked Matt Young to load the bases. An infield single by Wes Timmons put the Braves up 1-0. Freddie Freeman's two-RBI single put Gwinnett up three runs. With two strikes to Barbaro Canizares, Timmons stole home to make it 4-0. Canizares struck out swinging on the play and Diory Hernandez popped out to end the inning.

It appeared that the Braves were going to get another run in the fifth, but Jeff Frazier had other ideas. With two outs and Freeman on second, Canizares hit a ball to left field. Freeman attempted to score on it but was out by several feet as Frazier's throw was on the money.

The Hens finally got on the hit and run column in the fifth. Jon Weber got the first Toledo hit of the game with one out. He would score on a Will Rhymes RBI single, closing the gap to 4-1.

Robbie Weinhardt came on to pitch 2.1 innings of relief, striking out two and allowing just one hit.

The Hens got one run in the bottom of the ninth to make it 4-2. Wilkin Ramirez hit an RBI single to score Ryan Strieby. Toledo got the winning run to the plate, but Casper Wells struck out to end the game.

Craig Kimbrel picked up his 10th save in 10 chances for the Braves.

The Hens and Braves play their series finale Friday at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Wes Timmons was hit by two pitches and is now tied for the league lead at nine.
* Timmons also stole home successfully.
* Minor's line: 7.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
* Figaro's line: 6.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
* Robbie Weinhardt pitched 2.1 innings of relief. He allowed one hit, struck out two and walked none.

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

Hens fall to Gwinnett 6-3 on Friday
By David Schoenholtz
07/02/2010 10:20 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Mud Hens lost to the Gwinnett Braves 6-3 on Friday night at Fifth Third Field, getting swept in the four-game series. Toledo has now lost eight straight games.

The Hens got to Gwinnett starter Jo-Jo Reyes with two outs in the bottom of the first. Jeff Frazier drew a walk and scored from first on a Ryan Strieby double to the left-center field gap.

In the second, Jeff Larish's home run into the Roost extended the Mud Hen lead to 2-0. Toledo picked up an unearned run later in the inning on a double-steal. Jon Weber reached on an error, moved to third on a hit-and-run single by Justin Henry, and came home when Gwinnett catcher J.C. Boscan tried to catch Henry stealing second.

The Braves responded with an unearned run of their own in the top of the third off Billy Buckner (2-4). Josh Anderson reached on an error by Frazier and J.C. Boscan singled to put runners at first and third. After Matt Young struck out, Buckner walked Wes Timmons to load the bases. Freddie Freeman followed with a grounder to first that resulted in force out at second; Anderson scored on the fielder's choice. Buckner struck out Barbaro Canizares to end the rally.

In the fifth, Gwinnett's Wes Timmons took Buckner deep for a two-run shot to tie the game at 3-3.

The Braves would take the lead in the top of the sixth and chase Buckner. Joe Thurston drew a leadoff walk and was sacrificed to second by Jordan Schafer. A single by Anderson put runners on the corners, and Boscan came through with an RBI single to plate Thurston. Young followed with a double to score Anderson and send Buckner to the showers. Josh Rainwater came in and got Timmons to lift a fly ball to right field, which Wilkin Ramirez caught and fired home to nail Boscan, ending the inning.

The Mud Hens put two on with only one out in the bottom of the sixth, but Jon Weber's line drive found Thurston's glove, and Brent Dlugach was caught off second and subsequently doubled up.

In the top of the seventh, Freddie Freeman's ninth home run of the season made it a 6-3 game in favor of the visitors, which was the final score.

Buckner took the loss for Toledo, while Christian Martinez (2-1) picked up the win for Gwinnett. Michael Dunn earned his seventh save.

At 41-41, the Mud Hens drop to .500 for the first time since mid-May, when they were 18-18.

The Hens open up a three-game series with the Columbus Clippers on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Game Time Temperature: 80 degrees
* Attendance: 9,524
* Jon Weber's steal of home in the bottom of the second inning was the first for Toledo since Brent Dlugach accomplished the feat on May 9, 2009 vs. Lehigh Valley.
* Fu-Te Ni made his season debut for Toledo after spending the first few months of 2010 with the Tigers.
* Jeff Kunkel's eight-game hitting streak came to an end.

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

Lack of hits dooms Hens in 7-1 loss to Columbus
By Kyle Rowland
07/03/2010 8:57 PM ET

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Toledo Mud Hens unlucky streak continued Saturday night with a 7-1 loss to the Columbus Clippers. The Hens have now lost nine consecutive games.

Josh Tomlin (8-2) went seven strong innings for the Clippers, striking out six and walking two. He allowed just four hits.

Columbus started the scoring three batters into the game as Luis Valbuena hit a two-run shot off the Fricker's building in right field. It would have been a three-run homer had Michael Brantley not been caught stealing a batter prior.

The Clippers added to their lead in the fourth with two runs. Jared Goedert led off the inning with a single. Jordan Brown followed and reached base on an error by first baseman Ryan Strieby. An RBI single by Wes Hodges pushed the Clippers lead to 3-0. It would reach four runs when Toledo starter Ryan Ketchner (3-3) walked in a run with the bases loaded.

Scot Drucker came on in relief of Ketchner and struck out five of the first 10 batters he faced, including four straight. Then Columbus had three straight doubles to take a 6-0 lead. Nick Weglarz, Chris Giminez and Cord Phelps were responsible for the base hits.

Columbus scored its seventh and final run in the ninth.

The Hens only run came on a Ryan Strieby home run in the bottom of the ninth.

The Hens and Clippers continue their series Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Come out to Fifth Third Field to celebrate the Fourth of July! Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 9,716. It is the 16th sellout of the season and 254th in Fifth Third Field history.
* There were three ground rule doubles in the game.
* Will Rhymes stole his 18th base of the season.

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

Hens shut out by Columbus on Sunday
By David Schoenholtz
07/04/2010 8:28 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens suffered their tenth consecutive loss, 6-0, to the Columbus Clippers on Sunday night at Fifth Third Field.

A one-out triple by Columbus second baseman Cord Phelps in the top of the first was followed by a Luis Valbuena sacrifice fly to give the Clippers an early 1-0 lead against Rick Porcello (1-2).

The Hens loaded the bases against Columbus starter David Huff (3-0) in the bottom of the fourth, but Huff got Jon Weber to pop out in foul territory to end the threat.

The top of the fifth inning saw the visitors extend their lead to 5-0. Porcello gave up a hit to Wes Hodges and walked Nick Weglarz and Lou Marson to load the bases. The next four Columbus batters singled, and when the inning was over, the Clippers had batted around.

In the top of the eighth, Casey Fien allowed Jared Goedert's 11th home run of the season to make it a 6-0 game in favor of Columbus.

In the bottom of the ninth, Jeff Kunkel drew a two-out walk and moved to third on a double by Will Rhymes, but Justin Germano closed the door on the Hens by getting Max Leon to ground out to shortstop.

Porcello took the loss for Toledo, while Huff earned the win for Columbus.

The Mud Hens fall to 41-43, 11 games back of the first-place Clippers.

The Hens wrap up their seven-game homestand on Monday at 5:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Game Time Temperature: 93 degrees
* Attendance: 10,300
* Toledo manager Larry Parrish was ejected in the top of the fifth inning.

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

Toledo loses lead, game in ninth inning; Clippers win 5-4
By Kyle Rowland
07/05/2010 6:38 PM ET

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Toledo Mud Hens lost, 5-4, to Columbus Monday in heartbreaking fashion. The Hens took a one-run lead into the ninth inning, but gave up two runs to squander its lead.

Toledo has now tied a modern era (1965-present) record with 11 consecutive losses. The Hens also lost 11 straight in 1990 and 1999.

The Clippers got on the board in the most unlikely of fashions as Nick Weglarz hit an inside-the-park-home run in the top of the second. The ball was hit to dead center and bounced straight left off the wall. By the time Wilkin Ramirez ran it down, Weglarz was already rounding third. Lou Marson reached base on an error by Max Leon and was driven in on an RBI double by Cord Phelps to make it 2-0 Columbus.

The Hens came back in the bottom half to take the lead, 3-2. Ryan Strieby led off the festivities with a double. After three consecutive singles by Jeff Frazier, Max Leon and Jon Weber, the game was tied. With the bases loaded, Jeff Larish hit a ground ball that was turned into a third to first double play, allowing Max Leon to score and put the Hens up 3-2.

The Hen lead was short-lived as Columbus came back in the fourth to knot it up at four. Lou Marson reached base on a walk before stealing second. He scored on a ball that was misplayed by Leon.

Toledo retook the lead in the fifth. Justin Henry doubled to lead off the inning and was sacrificed to third on a bunt by Jeff Kunkel. Ramirez followed him up with an RBI single and the Mud Hens were again in business leading 4-3.

Jay Sborz (1-3) came on to close the game in the ninth, but Columbus had other idea. Cord Phelps began the inning by walking. Jose Constanza followed with a walk. After a sac bunt, the Clippers had runners on second and third. Sborz then intentionally walked Jordan Brown to load the bases and set up the double play. Unfortunately, Jared Goedert laced a double to left field and Columbus took a 5-4 lead. The Hens were able to get out of the inning with a double play after the Clippers base runners got in a run down.

Vinnie Pestano came on in the bottom of the ninth to collect his fifth save.

The Hens begin a four-game road trip Tuesday with a 7:05 start at Columbus. They play two at Columbus followed by two in Louisville. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Justin Henry played first base for only the third time in his career.
* Weglarz's inside-the-park-home run was the first at Fifth Third Field since Toledo's Andres Torres in 2007.
* There have been five ground rule doubles in as many games at Fifth Third Field.
* Brent Dlugach replaced Max Leon in the top of the seventh.
* Jensen Lewis upped his record to 2-0.

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

Hens break out bats to give Parrish milestone win
By David Schoenholtz
07/06/2010 10:43 PM ET

(Columbus, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens racked up 14 hits on their way to a 9-4 victory over the Columbus Clippers on Tuesday night at Huntington Park. It took 12 tries, but Larry Parrish finally passed Cal Ermer as the winningest manager in Mud Hens history with his 541st victory.

The Hens struck first on Jeff Frazier's International League-leading 28th double and a single by Brent Dlugach in the top of the second inning.

Toledo added to its lead in the top of the third against Columbus starter Jeanmar Gomez (6-8). With two outs, Scott Sizemore and Will Rhymes hit back-to-back doubles. Ryan Strieby followed with a single and the Hens were up 3-0.

Columbus got on the board in the bottom of the inning thanks to an error by Toledo starter Alfredo Figaro (7-6). Josh Rodriguez drew a one-out walk, and in an attempt to pick him off at first base, Figaro threw the ball away, allowing Rodriguez to go all the way to third. Jordan Brown then doubled to make the score 3-1.

A sacrifice fly by Rhymes in the top of the fifth made it a 4-1 game in favor of the Mud Hens. Jeff Larish's double later in the inning scored Sizemore

The Mud Hens broke the game open in the top of the sixth inning. Jon Weber walked to open the frame and went to second on a Dlugach single. Both runners moved up on a Wilkin Ramirez ground out. On Robinzon Diaz's ground ball to third, Weber was hung up off the bag, but Jared Goedert's throw home was wild and Weber scored as Diaz and Dlugach wound up on second and third, respectively. After Sizemore singled to drive in two more, Rhymes's second double of the night plated Toledo's ninth run.

Goedert led off the bottom of the sixth with his 12th home run of the year to cut the Mud Hen lead to 9-2, and Columbus picked up another run in the seventh on a Cord Phelps walk, a single by Jose Constanza, and a double by Rodriguez.

The Clippers continued to chip away in the bottom of the eighth, but Scot Drucker got Rodriguez to pop out with two runners on to end the inning and send the game to the ninth with the Mud Hens leading 9-4.

Josh Rainwater came on in the ninth and closed out Columbus to give the Hens their first win since June 24th.

Figaro earned the win for Toledo, while Gomez took the loss for Columbus.

The Mud Hens improve to 42-44 and hold onto third place in the IL West.

The Hens wrap up their five-game, two-city series on Wednesday in Columbus before heading on to Louisville for a two-game set with the Bats. They return to Toledo to host the Indianapolis Indians on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Scott Sizemore was activated from the disabled list before the game and led off for the Mud Hens.
* A Toledo pitcher threw a quality start for the first time since June 24, when Rick Porcello held Louisville to an unearned run over eight innings of work.
* Larry Parrish won his 541st game as manager of the Mud Hens, passing Cal Ermer for first on the all-time list of Toledo skippers.

Larry Parrish Becomes All-Time Wins Leader Among Toledo Managers!

Parrish passes Cal Ermer with win No. 541 against Columbus on Tuesday night...

Manager Larry Parrish became the all-time winningest manager in Toledo professional baseball history Tuesday as Toledo defeated Columbus, 9-4. The win was No. 541 for Parrish, passing Cal Ermer (manager for Toledo 1978-85).

Parrish is in his seventh season as Mud Hens manager. The 56-year-old led the club to Governors' Cup championships in 2005 & 2006 and was named the 2005 Sporting News Manager of the Year. Parrish has guided the Hens to a 541-522 record (.509) since 2003 and currently ranks 2nd in Toledo history in games managed at 1,056 (Ermer - 1,115).

This is Parrish's 13th season overall as a manager. He has a career record of 787-771. Along with his Governors' Cup titles with Toledo, Parrish led Single-A Niagara Falls to a New York-Penn League championship in 1993 and the Double-A Jacksonville Suns to the 1996 Southern League championship. He managed 185 games for the Detroit Tigers from 1998-99, compiling a record of 82-104.

MUD HENS ALL-TIME MANAGERIAL RECORDS

Larry Parrish 541 Cal Ermer 540 (1978-1985) Charles Strobel 497 (1896-1902)

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

Toledo defeats Clippers, 6-4, thanks to home runs
By Kyle Rowland
07/07/2010 7:54 PM ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Thanks to a barrage of home runs, the Toledo Mud Hens won their second consecutive game Wednesday, 6-4, over the Columbus Clippers. All six Mud Hen runs were scored off home runs.

The Hens jumped on the Clippers early, scoring three in the first. Scott Sizemore led off the game with a double, his second in as many days since coming off the DL, and was sacrificed to third on a bunt by Will Rhymes. After a walk to Ryan Strieby, Jeff Larish struck out for the second out in the inning. In stepped Jeff Frazier and out of the park went the pitch as Frazier belted a three-run home run to left to give Toledo a 3-0 lead. Jon Weber flew out to end the inning.

The Mud Hen lead expanded to 5-0 when Jeff Larish smacked a two-run homer in the third inning. Rhymes had reached base on a single.

Doubles by Josh Rodriguez and Jordan Brown in the fourth inning got Columbus on the board, but Toledo answered with a solo home run from Scott Sizemore in the fifth to put the Hens up 6-1.

The Clippers scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to get within two runs. After a strikeout to begin the inning, Rodriguez singled. Luis Valbuena and Jared Goedert followed with back-back-to-back home runs to cut the Toledo lead to 6-4. Columbus added a double, but the Hens got out of the inning without any more damage.

Casey Fien picked up his fourth save of the season, while Billy Buckner improved his record to 3-4.

Yohan Pino (7-5) took the loss for the Clippers.

The Hens now travel to Louisville for a two-game series with the Bats. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Thursday. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Jeff Frazier hit his 16th HR of the season.
* Jeff Larish hit HR No. 14 on the year.
* Scott Sizemore hit his fourth HR of the season.
* Sizemore is 5-for-9 with three RBI, two doubles and five runs in two games since coming off the DL.

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

Hens win big in Louisville on Thursday
By David Schoenholtz
07/08/2010 10:13 PM ET

(Louisville, KY) - The Toledo Mud Hens continued their offensive outbreak, collecting 14 hits and defeating the Louisville Bats, 9-4, on Thursday night at Louisville Slugger Field.

The Bats scored first on an RBI groundout by Wladimir Balentien in the bottom of the second inning.

Toledo responded in the top of the third, batting around against Louisville starter Jesus Delgado (2-2). Wilkin Ramirez led off with a single, moved to second on a Jeff Kunkel groundout, and scored on a single by Scott Sizemore. Will Rhymes reached on a fielder's choice, Ryan Strieby singled, and Jeff Larish doubled to give the Hens a 3-1 lead. After Jeff Frazier was hit by a pitch, Jon Weber singled to drive in the fourth Mud Hen run.

Toledo starter Ryan Ketchner gave up three hits in the bottom of the fourth, but Strieby's throw from left field cut down Yonder Alonso to keep the 4-1 Mud Hen lead intact.

In the top of the fifth, Frazier singled to left field but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double by his brother, Louisville's Todd Frazier.

A Zack Cozart RBI single in the bottom of the inning scored Wilkin Castillo to make it a 4-2 game. The next two hitters singled to knock Ketchner out of the game and tie the score at 4-4.

The Hens re-took the lead in the sixth. Weber and Brent Dlugach hit back-to-back singles and moved up on a wild pitch by Enerio Del Rosario. After Ramirez struck out, Sizemore and Rhymes walked to load the bases for Strieby, whose single up the middle brought in Dlugach and Sizemore to make it 7-4 in favor of Toledo.

A Max Leon home run and Frazier RBI single in the eighth extended Toledo's lead to 9-4, which was the final score.

Josh Rainwater (2-3) earned the win with 3.1 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out three. Delgado took the loss for Louisville.

The Mud Hens move back to the .500 mark at to 44-44.

The Hens and Bats wrap up their two-game series on Friday. They return to Toledo to host the Indianapolis Indians on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Jeff Frazier was thrown out by his brother, Louisville's Todd Frazier, trying to stretch a single into a double in the top of the fifth inning.
* Jon Weber collected three hits in the contest.
* Josh Rainwater came out of the bullpen to throw 3.1 scoreless innings in relief of Toledo starter Ryan Ketcher.

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

Edinson Volquez overpowers Toledo in Louisville's 3-0 victory
By Kyle Rowland
07/09/2010 9:17 PM ET

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Toledo Mud Hens three-game win streak came to an end Friday night in a 3-0 defeat to Louisville. The Hens had just two hits in the game.

Edinson Volquez (3-0) had a no-hit bid broken up with two outs in the sixth inning. Volquez, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, struck out nine in seven innings. He allowed one hit and walked three.

The Bats got on the board in the bottom of the fourth with three runs. Todd Frazier led off the inning with a walk before Juan Francisco struck out swinging. After a ground out by Daniel Dorn, Drew Sutton came through with an RBI single to score Frazier from second. The Bat lead was extended to 3-0 with a Chris Valaika home run. Toledo finally got out of the inning with a fly out by Chris Denove.

The Hens first hit came from Jeff Larish with two outs in the top of the sixth. Jon Weber got the other hit in the eighth.

Carlos Fisher collected his third save of the season, pitching a perfect ninth.

Scot Drucker (2-4), who made a spot start for the Hens, gave up three runs in four innings of work.

The Hens return to Fifth Third Field Saturday for a two-game series with Indianapolis before the All-Star Break. First pitch for Saturday's game is set for 7:00 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Volquez's line: 7 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 3 BB, 9 K
* Jeff Larish and Jon Weber had the Mud Hens' only two hits.

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

Toledo loses lead, game in ninth inning; Indy wins 3-1
By Kyle Rowland
07/10/2010 8:06 PM ET

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Toledo Mud Hens lost a heartbreaker, 3-1, to the Indianapolis Indians before a sellout crowd Saturday night at Fifth Third Field. The loss extended a ballpark record eight-game losing streak.

Rick Porcello (1-2) went seven innings, striking out seven, walking three and allowing six hits. However, he received a no-decision.

The teams combined for six hits in the first four innings and only two fly outs to the outfield.

The Hens got on the board in the bottom of the fifth. Casper Wells walked to lead off the inning before a Max Leon single. Wells advanced to third on the play. Jeff Kunkel then hit a shallow fly out to left, but Wells tagged anyway and scored, giving Toledo a 1-0 lead. Leon tried to stretch the lead to 2-0 on a base hit by Jon Weber, but he was thrown out at the plate to end the inning.

Jay Sborz came on for the save in the ninth, but it wasn't to be. Alex Pressley had a bunt single to lead off the inning. After Carlin walked, Jonathan Van Every hit a three-run home run to put Indianapolis ahead 3-0. Toledo would get out of the inning without giving up another run, but they did not threaten in the bottom half.

It is the second consecutive home game Sborz has blown a save in the ninth and the Hens have gone on to lose the game.

Jean Machi (5-2) got the win for Indy.

The Hens and Indians close out the first half of the season Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Mud Hens players and coaches wore Hawaiian themed jerseys tonight. The jerseys were auctioned off with all benefits going to the Rebuild Lake Schools Fund. Manager Larry Parrish will match the winning bid of his jersey, which was $415.
* Attendance: 10,300. It is the 18th sellout of the season and 256th in Fifth Third Field history.
* With the sellout, the Hens have gone over the 327,000 mark for season attendance. That total surpasses the highest season total while Toledo called Ned Skeldon Stadium home. They have accomplished the feat in just 44 games.
* Crotta's line: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4K
* Porcello's line: 7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

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

Mud Hens close out first half of season with 6-4 loss to Indians; All-Star Break a welcome relief
By Kyle Rowland
07/11/2010 8:53 PM ET

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Toledo Mud Hens closed out the first half of the season with a 6-4 loss to the Indianapolis Indians Sunday night. Toledo has lost nine straight home games, a Fifth Third Field record.

After their three-run ninth inning last night, the Indians wasted no time getting on the board today, as they scored two batters into the game. Kevin Melillo led off with a double and Akinori Iwamura brought him home with an RBI single.

The Mud Hens didn't sit back, though. They answered with two runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 2-1 lead. Will Rhymes led off with a single. After a strikeout by Brent Dlugach, Ryan Strieby doubled and the Hens had two runners in scoring position. A two-RBI single by Jeff Larish put the Hens in front. The inning came to an end when Casper Wells grounded into a double play.

After a rain delay of one hour and nine minutes, Gilbert De La Vera (0-1) made his Mud Hens debut by replacing Alfredo Figaro. He promptly gave up a solo home run to Melillo, which tied the game at two runs apiece. Iwamura and Brandon Moss would add in some base hits between two strikeouts to put the Indians in position to add more runs. That was exactly what they did on a check swing, two-RBI single by Erik Kratz. All of a sudden Indianapolis was leading 4-2.

The Indians were back at it in the fourth, scoring two runs. Alex Pressley singled to lead off the inning. He advanced to second on an Argenis Diaz single and third on a stolen base. He would score on a ground out by Melillo. Iwamura hit an RBI single to bring Diaz in to make it a 6-2 ballgame in favor of Indianapolis.

Will Rhymes hit his first home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth. The towering drive to right field glanced off the foul pole at the last moment as it attempted to go foul. The homer got the Hens within three runs.

Rhymes would score again in the seventh after he tripled. He came home on a ground out by Dlugach, cutting the score to 6-4.

Jeremy Powell (6-7) went 5.2 innings in relief, striking out three and walking three. He allowed two runs on two hits.

Jean Machi pitched to one batter in the ninth to collect his 12th save.

The Hens are off for three days for the Triple-A All-Star Break. They start off the second half of the season Thursday at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at 7:05 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 9,911. It is the 19th sellout of the season and the 257th in Fifth Third Field history.
* The start of the game was delayed 16 minutes due to rain and again in the bottom of the second for an hour and nine minutes.
* Jeff Larish extended his hit streak to 10 games.
* Will Rhymes hit his first HR of the season.
* Rhymes was a double short of the cycle.
* Toledo has lost a ballpark-high nine consecutive games.

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

Hens open second half with loss to Scranton
By David Schoenholtz
07/15/2010 10:12 PM ET

(Scranton, PA) - The Toledo Mud Hens returned from the All-Star break with a 12-5 loss at the hands of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees on Thursday night at PNC Field.

The scored first on a Will Rhymes home run in the top of the first inning against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre starter Sergio Mitre.

The Yankees responded in the bottom of the inning with an eight-run, two-out rally. After Billy Buckner (3-5) retired Reid Gorecki and Chad Tracy, two singles and a walk loaded the bases for Jorge Vazquez, who doubled to drive in two. Reegie Corona doubled to score two more, and Eric Bruntlett singled to make it a 5-1 game. A Greg Golson single and a walk to Gorecki re-loaded the bases before Tracy brought an end to Buckner's night with a bases-clearing double. Eduardo Nuñez greeted Gilbert De La Vara with a double to drive in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's ninth run of the inning. All in all, the Yanks sent 13 men to the plate in the frame.

In the third, Rhymes doubled to plate Max St-Pierre and Scott Sizemore.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre added a run in the bottom of the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Jorge Vazquez.

Jeff Larish's 15th home run of the season cut the Mud Hen deficit to 10-4 in the top of the sixth, but the Yankees came back with a run in the bottom of the inning on a Nuñez double and a Jesus Montero single.

The Mud Hens continued to chip away in the top of the seventh. After Wilkin Ramirez struck out, Casper Wells drew a walk, St-Pierre singled, and Sizemore singled to bring home Wells.

Montero's solo homer in the bottom of the eighth capped the scoring at 12-5.

Tim Redding (5-4) came out of the bullpen to earn the win. Buckner took the loss for the Mud Hens, who fall to 44-48.

The Hens continue their series with the Yankees on Friday. They return to Toledo to host the Buffalo Bisons on Friday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Jon Weber announced his retirement prior to tonight's game.
* Max St-Pierre, activated from the disabled earlier in the day, batted ninth for Toledo and collected three hits.
* Will Rhymes, who began the week without a home run all season, homered for the second consecutive game.

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

Frazier's two homers not enough as Hens lose 5-4 to Scranton
By David Schoenholtz
07/16/2010 10:27 PM ET

(Scranton, PA) - Jeff Frazier hit two home runs, but the Toledo Mud Hens suffered a 5-4 loss to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees on Friday night at PNC Field.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre scored three runs in the bottom of the first off Scot Drucker on a pair of walks and a Chad Tracy three-run home run.

Frazier hit a solo shot in the top of the second inning and added a game-tying three-run blast in the sixth. The Yankees had taken a 4-3 lead in the fourth on an RBI single by Eric Bruntlett.

In the bottom of the eighth, Scranton Wilkes-Barre's Jorge Vazquez hit a solo home run off Mud Hen reliever Casey Fien (1-1) to give the home team a 5-4 edge, which Jonathan Albaladejo protected by retiring the side in order in the top of the ninth.

Romulo Sanchez (7-7) picked up the win out of the bullpen for the Yankees. Fien (1-1) took the loss for the Mud Hens, who fall to 44-49 and remain in the IL West cellar.

The Hens continue their series with the Yankees on Saturday. They return to Toledo to host the Buffalo Bisons on Friday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Armando Galarraga, Toledo's scheduled starter, instead came out of the bullpen in relief of Scot Drucker.
* Jeff Frazier drove in all four Toledo runs.

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

Guez leads Hens to victory with four RBI performance; Hens beat Scranton 11-7
By Kyle Rowland
07/17/2010 8:17 PM ET

MOOSIC, Pa. - The Toledo Mud Hens halted a five-game skid with an 11-7 victory over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees Saturday night at PNC Field in Moosic, Pa.

Ben Guez led the charge for the Hens as he finished a single short of the cycle. He was 3-for-5 on the night with a home run, triple, double, four RBI and two runs.

The Mud Hens wasted no time getting on the board as they scored early and often, racking up four runs in the first inning. Scott Sizemore led off the game with a home run to give Toledo a 1-0 cushion. It would continue to grow, though. After a Will Rhymes walked, Ryan Strieby belted a double and the Hens had two men in scoring position and none out. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre starter Zach McAllister (7-6) finally got that first out when Jeff Larish popped out to the shortstop. Jeff Frazier followed with a sacrifice fly to score Rhymes from third. With two outs now, Brent Dlugach walked and the Hens again had two on. Guez cleared the bases with a triple to push the Mud Hen lead to 4-0. Casper Wells struck out to end the inning.

The Hens added a run to its lead in the second. Robinzon Diaz started things off with a single. After Sizemore flew out, Rhymes walked. An RBI single from Strieby gave the Hens a 5-0 lead.

The runs would continue in the third. Toledo once again led off an inning with a hit, this time a single from Frazier. Dlugach followed with a ground ball that looked like a potential double-play ball. Fortunately for the Hens, the ball was bobbled and Dlugach reached base safely. Guez would then double, bringing in Frazier and making it 6-0 in favor of Toledo. That was the last straw as Kei Igawa then entered the ballgame for the Yankees. After a lineout by Wells, Diaz grounded out with Dlugach scoring on the play. The Mud Hens lead would get to 8-0 when Sizemore hit an RBI single to score Guez. The inning would finally end with a fly out by Rhymes.

Scranton would trim the lead to 8-2 in the bottom of the third on a two-run home run by Greg Golson. They would get four more runs in the fourth. All four runs in the inning came off two-run home runs. The first came from the bat of Chad Tracy, while Eric Bruntlett belted the second.

The Hens started the fifth inning with back-to-back home runs by Guez and Wells to push its lead to 10-6. It would grow to 11-6 after a Frazier hit a solo homer in the sixth.

The Yankees would score one run in the bottom of the ninth as Bruntlett hit his second home run of the night.

Brendan Wise (4-2) picked up the win for Toledo.

The Hens and Yankees close out their series Sunday at 1:05 p.m. before Toledo goes to Pawtucket for a four-game series with the Red Sox. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Scott Sizemore hit his second lead off HR of the season and fifth HR overall.
* The Hens scored eight runs (4-1-3) in the first three innings.
* McAllister's line: 2 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR - not ideal for SWB.
* Ben Guez finished a single short of the cycle. He was 3-for-5 with a HR, 3B, 2B, four RBI and two runs.
* Guez's homer was his third of the season with Toledo.
* Casper Wells followed Guez's HR with one of his own to go back-to-back. It was Wells' 12th HR.
* Frazier hit his 19th HR of the season and third in two days.

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

Hens blow late lead in 3-2 loss to Yankees
By Kyle Rowland
07/18/2010 2:11 PM ET

MOOSIC, Pa. - The Toledo Mud Hens lost, 3-2, in a Sunday matinee to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. The Hens took a one-run lead with a run in the top of the eighth, but surrendered two runs in the bottom half to lose its lead and the game.

After a four-inning stalemate, the Hens finally got on the board in the top of the fifth. Ben Guez led off the inning with a single before stealing second. Casper Wells then grounded out and Guez advanced to third. He would score on a sacrifice fly by Max St. Pierre to give the Hens a 1-0 lead.

The Yankees tied it in the home half on a Greg Golson homer. It is Golson's second home run in as many days.

Toledo regained the lead in the eighth. Jeff Larish singled to start the inning. Jeff Frazier followed with a single to move Larish to third. Brent Dlugach provided the RBI on a sac fly to put Toledo in front 2-1.

The lead was short-lived, though, as Scranton tacked on two runs in the bottom of the eighth. With one out and a man on first, Kevin Russo doubled and moved Reid Gorecki to third. Reegie Corona followed with a bases-clearing triple to put the Yankees a run clear of Toledo, 3-2. After an intentional walk to set up a double-play, that is exactly what the Hens got to get out of the inning.

Jonathan Albaladejo pitched a perfect ninth to collect his 31st save of the season.

Mark Melancon (6-1) picked up the win, while L.J. Gagnier (3-4) took the tough-luck loss.

The Hens now travel to Pawtucket for a four-game series with the Red Sox. They play Monday at 7:05 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Gagnier's line: 7.1 IP, 6 G, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 1 HR
* Seven of the Mud Hens nine hits came from Jeff Larish and Jeff Frazier.
* Larish was 4-for-4 with a run scored.
* Frazier was 3-for-4.

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

Larish goes 4-4.
Hits provide scoring opportunities.
Call him up!

Figaro strikes out 10 in Mud Hens' 4-1 victory over Red Sox
By Kyle Rowland
07/19/2010 8:42 PM ET

PAWTUCKET, R.I. - The Toledo Mud Hens defeated the Pawtucket Red Sox, 4-1, Monday night at McCoy Stadium.

Alfredo Figaro (8-6) was outstanding, striking out 10 in 6.2 innings. He allowed one run on five hits and did not walk a single batter.

Pawtucket got its lone run of the game in the bottom of the third. Juan Apodaca led off the inning with a double. After two consecutive outs, Jed Lowrie hit an RBI double to give the Red Sox a -0 lead.

In the top of the fifth, Toledo took the lead with two runs. Ben Guez and Wilkin Ramirez started the inning with back-to-back singles. With Guez on third, Robinzon Diaz hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at one. The Hens would take the lead on an RBI double by Max Leon.

The Hens took a 4-1 lead in the seventh with two runs. After two straight outs to begin the inning, the next four batters (Diaz, Leon, Scott Sizemore and Will Rhymes) hit singles to score two runs. Diaz and Leon were the run scorers on RBI singles by Sizemore and Rhymes.

Pawtucket had runners on second and third with two outs in the home half of the seventh, but Fu Te Ni struck out Apodaca to end the threat and the inning.

Toledo found itself in trouble again in the eighth when Pawtucket loaded the bases with two outs. A Niuman Romero ground out ended the inning, though.

Brendan Wise collected his first save of the season.

The Hens and Red Sox continue their series Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Figaro's line: 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 K
* Max Leon was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
* Robinzon Diaz was 2-for-3 with an RBI and run.
* Mark Holliman (0-1) took the loss for Pawtucket.

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

De La Vara, Guez lead Toledo to 7-1 win over Pawtucket
By Kyle Rowland
07/20/2010 8:47 PM ET

PAWTUCKET, R.I. - The Toledo Mud Hens won their second consecutive game Tuesday, 7-1, over the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Gilbert De La Vara (1-1) picked up his first Mud Hen victory in his first career start for the club. He allowed five hits in 5.1 innings, striking out five and walking one. The lone run De La Vera allowed with a solo home run.

The Mud Hens got on the board in the third with four runs. The first came on an RBI single by Jeff Frazier. Robinzon Diaz scored after leading the inning off with a single. With Scott Sizemore and Frazier on base, Wilkin Ramirez was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Ben Guez then unloaded them with a three-RBI triple. It was Guez's second triple in four games.

Pawtucket answered with a run of their run in the bottom half. With two outs and none on, Niuman Romero walked. Aaron Bates followed with an RBI double to make it a 4-1 ballgame.

The Hens added a run in the seventh on a solo home run by Scott Sizemore, putting Toledo in front 5-1.

Two insurance runs came in the ninth via a Jeff Frazier home run. Will Rhymes, who singled the previous at-bat, scored on the two-run blast.

The Hens and Red Sox continue their series Wednesday afternoon at 12:05 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Scott Sizemore hit his sixth HR of the season.
* De La Vera's line: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
* Ben Guez was 2-for-4 with three RBI.
* Jeff Frazier hit his 20th homer.

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

Hens enjoy third straight win over Pawtucket
By David Schoenholtz
07/21/2010 3:35 PM ET

(Pawtucket, RI) - Scot Drucker (3-4) had his longest and best outing of the season, and the Toledo Mud Hens defeated the Pawtucket Red Sox, 11-2, on Wednesday afternoon at McCoy Stadium. Drucker held the PawSox scoreless over five innings of work, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out five.

The game was scoreless until the fourth inning, when the Hens chased Pawtucket starter Fabio Castro (4-7). Ryan Strieby led off the inning with a walk, and after a Ben Guez strikeout, Randor Bierd came out of the bullpen to replace Castro. Wilkin Ramirez singled and Casper Wells doubled to give Toledo a 2-0 lead. Max St-Pierre followed with his first home run of the season in a Mud Hens uniform.

In the sixth, St-Pierre singled and moved to second base on a single by Will Rhymes. Brent Dlugach then doubled to plate Toledo's fifth run of the game. A Ryan Strieby double and a sacrifice fly by Guez later in the inning made it 8-0 in favor of the Hens.

A walk to Wells and consecutive singles by Rhymes and Dlugach extended the Mud Hen lead to 9-0. After Jeff Frazier flied out, a Jeff Larish single drove in another run to give Toledo a 10-run edge.

Pawtucket finally got on the board in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run home run by Ryan Kalish.

The Hens capped the scoring in the top of the ninth on Larish's second RBI single of the aftternoon.

Drucker went five scoreless innings to earn the win for the Mud Hens, who improve to 48-50. Ryan Ketchner was credited with a save after coming out of the bullpen to pitch the final four innings. Castro took the loss for Pawtucket.

The Hens conclude their series with the PawSox on Thursday. They return to Toledo to host the Buffalo Bisons on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Max St-Pierre collected four hits, including his first home run since being promoted from Double-A Erie in May.
* Scot Drucker had his longest and best outing of the season, holding the PawSox scoreless over five innings of work.
* Pawtucket pitchers combined to walk nine Toledo batters.

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

Hens lose 5-4 in 10 innings at Pawtucket
By David Schoenholtz
07/22/2010 10:47 PM ET

(Pawtucket, RI) - Charlie Furbush was impressive in his Triple-A debut, but the Toledo Mud Hens lost to the Pawtucket Red Sox, 5-4, in 10 innings on Thursday night at McCoy Stadium.

Toledo got on the board in the top of the first when Brent Dlugach and Jeff Frazier hit back-to-back doubles off Pawtucket starter Ramon Ramirez. A wild pitch allowed Frazier to move to third, and after Jeff Larish struck out, Ryan Strieby singled to make it a 2-0 game.

A Ben Guez home run in the top of the second extended the Mud Hen lead to 3-0.

In the bottom of the third, the PawSox tied the game on a three-run home run off the bat of Daniel Nava.

Casper Wells homered off Tommy Hottovy in the top of the fifth to give Toledo a 4-3 lead.

Pawtucket tied the score once again in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Tug Hulett doubled went to third on a Gil Velazquez single, and came home on a Ryan Kalish sacrifice fly.

The score would remain tied until the tenth. Larish led off the inning with a double, but Robert Manuel (5-1) struck out the next three hitters - Strieby, Wilkin Ramirez, and Wells - to end the Toledo threat. In the bottom half of the frame, Daniel Schlereth (1-3) walked Nava and gave up a single to Mike Lowell to put runners on the corners. After Argenis Reyes pinch-ran for Lowell and took second base on defensive indifference, Lars Anderson singled to give Pawtucket its only lead of the night and a 5-4 walk-off victory.

Manuel earned the win for the Pawtucket, who avoid the sweep at the hands of the visiting Mud Hens. Schlereth took the loss for Toledo.

The Mud Hens return to Toledo to host Mike Hessman and the Buffalo Bisons on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Charlie Furbush struck out the side in the bottom of the fourth. In six innings of work, Furbush struck out seven.
* Pawtucket did not lead all night until breaking an extra-inning tie and winning 5-4.

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

Hens lead 6-0 in the fifth, game will resume at 6:00 p.m. Saturday with seven inning game to follow
07/23/2010 8:06 PM ET

Toledo, OH - Friday night's game between Toledo and Buffalo was suspended in the top of the fifth inning due to rain.

The Mud Hens are leading 6-0.

The teams will resume the game at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday with a second game beginning approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the first game. The second game will be seven innings.

Tickets from Friday's game can be exchanged for any remaining regular season game for the 2010 season (based on availability).

Upcoming Game Tickets

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

Toledo sweeps doubleheader with 5-4 win over Buffalo in Game 2
By Kyle Rowland
07/24/2010 8:31 PM ET

Game Two

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Toledo Mud Hens won Game 2, 5-4, to sweep a doubleheader from the Buffalo Bisons Saturday night at a sold out Fifth Third Field.

Prior to the start of the second game Toledo manager Larry Parrish was honored for passing Cal Ermer and becoming the winningest manager in franchise history. Hitting Coach Leon "Bull" Durham, Pitching Coach A.J. Sager and Athletic Trainer Matt Rankin were also recognized.

Buffalo scored one run in the first on a Mike Hessman RBI single. Luis Hernandez scored after hitting a triple in his at-bat.

The Bisons lead wouldn't last long, though. Brent Dlugach singled with one out before Jeff Frazier hit a two-run homer as the Hens took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first.

Toledo added a run in the second. After two consecutive strikeouts to begin the inning, the Hens had back-to-back-to-back singles by Max Leon, Max St-Pierre and Will Rhymes. Leon scored on an RBI single by Rhymes to extend the lead to 3-1.

The Hens scored two more runs in the third. Frazier led off with a single and scored on an RBI single by Ryan Strieby to put Toledo in front 4-1. In between, Jeff Larish walked. Casper Wells and Wilkin Ramirez popped out and struck out, respectively, before Max Leon hit an RBI single to score Larish, who eluded a throw to the plate.

Back-to-back doubles by Mike Hessman and Lucas Duda in the fourth brought Buffalo within three runs at 5-2.

Lucas Duda hit a towering home run over the Fricker's building in the sixth to cut the Hen lead to 5-3.

L.J. Gagnier (4-4) was solid in his six innings pitched. He struck out five, walked none and allowed three runs on five hits.

Jay Sborz collected his 16th save in the ninth, but it wasn't without excitement as Fernando Martinez led off the inning with a home run to cut Toledo's lead to 5-4. Sborz settled down, though, and retired the next three batters. It is Sborz's first save since June 18.

The Hens and Bisons continue their series Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 10,300 - the 20th of the season and 258th in Fifth Third Field history.
* Jeff Frazier hit his 21st HR of the season.
* Frazier was 3-for-4 with a HR, 2B, two RBI and two runs.
* Max Leon was 2-for-3 with an RBI and run scored.
* Gagnier's line: 6 IP, 6 H, 3R 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 1 HR

Game One

It took over a day, but the Toledo Mud Hens finally snapped their Fifth Third Field record nine-game losing streak.

The Hens broke out the bats, winning 12-6 and tying a season-high with 15 hits.

The Hens began the scoring with three runs in the bottom of the second. Ryan Strieby and Casper Wells started things with off with back-to-back hits, a single and double before Wilkin Ramirez unloaded the bases with a home run to straight away center.

They would add to their lead in the third with an additional three runs. After a strikeout by Brent Dlugach, Jeff Frazier singled to center. Jeff Larish followed with a double to the gap in left-center, brining Frazier all the way home from first base for a 4-0 advantage. Strieby grounded out for the second out of the inning before Casper Wells hit a two-run homer just over the right field wall, pushing the Hens lead to 6-0. A groundball by Ben Guez ended the inning.

A heavy rain storm hit in the top of the fifth causing the game to be suspended until Sunday night at 6:00 p.m.

When the game was re-started Gilbert De La Vara was on the hill for Toledo. Jorge Padilla started off the evening with a double down the left field line. He scored when Dlugach let a groundball go under his glove into left field. That would be the only run of the inning, though, and the Hens would maintain a healthy 6-1 lead.

The Hens got the run back and more in the sixth. After a walk to Guez, he was brought home on an RBI double by Robinzon Diaz. Will Rhymes then walked and Dlugach hit an RBI single, scoring Diaz, making it an 8-1 lead. After Frazier went down on strikes for the second run of the inning, Jeff Larish singled in another run. It became a 12-1 lead when Strieby hit a no-doubter to left field. Ramirez struck out to end the inning.

The Bisons scored five runs over the final two innings.

Gilbert De La Vara (2-1) picked up the win for the Hens, going four innings. He allowed two runs and seven hits, while striking out five and walking none.

Dillon Gee (9-6) took the loss.

Box Score


Game Notes

* Wilkin Ramirez hit his fourth HR of the season.
* Casper Wells hit his 14th HR.
* Wells and Ramirez were a combined 6-for-12 with two home runs, a double, five RBI and three runs scored.
* Ryan Strieby hit his 10th HR. Toledo defeated Syracuse 18-1 on July 23 last season.
* Mud Hen career-home run leader Mike Hessman made his first appearance at Fifth Third Field since signing with Buffalo. He was 0-for-5 with three strikeouts.

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

Hens win third straight over Buffalo on Sunday
By David Schoenholtz
07/25/2010 9:04 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens won their third straight game over the Buffalo Bisons, 2-0, on Sunday night at Fifth Third Field.

Former Mud Hen Mike Hessman, who was honored before the game, led off the top of the second inning with a double off Alfredo Figaro (8-6). Mike Jacobs drew a walk to put two runners on with none out, but Figaro retired the next three Buffalo hitters to end the threat.

The Hens got on the board in the bottom of the third against Buffalo starter Ramon Ortiz (1-3). Max Leon was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Robinzon Diaz. Justin Henry then laced a single to center field to give Toledo a 1-0 lead.

Figaro allowed a leadoff single to Jesus Feliciano in the top of the sixth, but got Justin Turner to ground into a fielder's choice and struck out Fernando Martinez and Hessman to keep Buffalo from scoring.

Toledo extended its lead in the bottom of the inning. Ryan Strieby and Casper Wells hit back-to-back singles to begin the frame. After Wilkin Ramirez popped out in foul territory, Ben Guez hit a tailor-made double play ball, but Ruben Tejada's throw to first was in the dirt and got past Hessman, allowing Strieby to score the second Mud Hen run of the night.

In the top of the ninth, Daniel Schlereth allowed a pair of singles to put the potential tying run on base for the Bisons, but Jay Sborz retired Tejada on a fly ball to left field to end the game.

Figaro earned the win for Toledo, while Ortiz took the loss for Buffalo.

The Mud Hens get back to the .500 mark at 51-51, but remain in last place in the IL West.

The Hens wrap up their series with the Bisons on Monday at 12:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Game Time Temperature: 81 degrees
* Attendance: 9,733 - Toledo 22nd sellout of the season.
* After losing a Fifth Third Field record nine straight, the Mud Hens have won their last three home games.

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

Hens sweep Buffalo on Monday
By David Schoenholtz
07/26/2010 2:15 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens completed their first four-game sweep of the year, 5-1, over the Buffalo Bisons on Monday afternoon at Fifth Third Field.

Justin Henry and Ben Guez hit back-to-back doubles off Buffalo starter Pat Misch in the bottom of the third to give Toledo a 1-0 advantage.

The Bisons tied it off Ryan Ketchner in the top of the fourth on a walk to Justin Turner, a wild pitch, and a Lucas Duda double.

In the sixth, Buffalo put two on with two out, but Max Leon made a nice catch on a foul pop by the Toledo dugout to end the threat.

The game would remain tied until the bottom of the eighth, when the Mud Hens took advantage of some sloppy defense. Ryota Igarashi (0-1), who came on in relief of Misch, struck out Brent Dlugach and Jeff Frazier, but Frazier reached first base when Igarashi's wild pitch bounced into the Buffalo dugout. Ryan Strieby then hit a groundball to the right of Bisons shortstop Ruben Tejada, but Tejada's throw to second was dropped by Justin Turner for an error. Casper Wells followed with a single up the middle to give the Hens the lead. Max Leon then tripled to drive in two more, and after Wilkin Ramirez struck out, Max St-Pierre singled to cap the scoring at 5-1.

Scot Drucker (4-4), who had come on in the eighth, allowed a one-out double to Duda in the top of the ninth, but retired Jorge Padilla on a fly out and Mike Cervenak on a strikeout to end the game.

Drucker earned the win for Toledo. Igarashi took the loss for Buffalo.

The Mud Hens move to 52-51, while the Bisons fall to .500 at 51-51.

The Hens welcome the Pawtucket Red Sox to Toledo for a four-game series at Fifth Third Field beginning on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Game Time Temperature: 79 degrees
* Attendance: 8,262
* Ryan Ketchner's seven innings pitched were a season-high.
* Toledo completed its first four-game sweep of the season.
* Mud Hens pitcher Alfredo Figaro was named IL Pitcher of the Week for the period from July 19-25.

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

Mike Lowell homers three times as Pawtucket ends the Hens' four-game win streak
By Kyle Rowland
07/27/2010 8:15 PM ET

TOLEDO, Ohio - Mike Lowell looked more like the 2007 World Series MVP than the guy who is batting .213 in 31 games with Boston this season. Lowell, on a rehab assignment with Pawtucket, became the fifth player to hit three home runs in a game at Fifth Third Field and the first opponent to do so.

Pawtucket was victorious, 10-6, in the homer fest.

The teams combined to hit six home runs. The Red Sox hit five, also a Fifth Third Field record for visitors.

Pawtucket scored two runs out of the gate on a Lowell two-run homer in the first. Ryan Kalish led off the game with a double. Two batters later, Lowell unloaded on a pitch to left field.

The Hens responded in the bottom half with two runs of its own. Justin Henry started things off with a single before Brent Dlugach hit an RBI triple to deep center to get the Hens on the board immediately. After outs by Jeff Frazier an Ryan Strieby, Casper Wells hit an RBI single to tie the game at two. However, he was then picked off first base to end the inning.

The Red Sox were back at it, though, in the second. Ryan Shealy, Mark Wagner, Aaron Bates and Gil Velazquez went single, home run, single, double to start the inning. Bates then scored on a sacrifice fly by Kalish and it was 5-2 in favor of the Red Sox.

Lowell hit another home run to lead off the third and give Pawtucket a 6-2 lead.

The Hens threatened in the home half of the third with runners on first and third with one out. The inning ended, though, when Justin Henry was caught stealing.

With two outs in the fourth, Pawtucket hit its fourth homer of the night. This time it was Ryan Kalish and it put the Red Sox up 7-2.

The Hens got back in the game with two runs in the seventh. After Max St-Pierre flew out, Henry doubled. Dlugach walked, followed by a pop out by Frazier before Ryan Strieby hit a two-RBI double to make it a 7-4 ballgame. Wells then flew out to end the inning.

Daniel Nava walked to begin the eighth inning when Lowell stepped to the plate. Again, he hit a home run, his third of the game to extend the lead to 9-4. Bates grounded out to score Lars Anderson, who had walked, before the inning grounded.

Max Leon singled to start the bottom of the eighth. Ben Guez, who came on as a defensive replacement in the top of the inning, homered to left to make it 10-6. However, that is as close as the Hens would get.

Ramon Martinez (2-2) got the win, while Charlie Furbush (0-1) picked up his first loss with the Hens.

The Hens and Red Sox continue their series Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Attendance: 8,475
* Justin Henry was 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.
* Ryan Strieby hit his 11th homer of the year.
* Brent Dlugach hit his third triple of the season.
* Mike Lowell hit three home runs, becoming the fifth player to do so at Fifth Third Field and first visiting player to accomplish the feat.
* Lowell was 3-for-4 with three HR, five RBI and three runs scored.
* Lowell is the third World Series MVP to play at Fifth Third Field, joining Pat Borders and Curt Schilling. Bucky Dent managed at FTF while with the Clippers.
* Pawtucket hit five home runs, the most by an opponent in Fifth Third Field history.
* Pawtucket stranded just two runners.
* The Red Sox had eight extra-base hits, one shy of tying the record for visitors.

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

Frazier strikes twice to lead Hens over Pawtucket
By David Schoenholtz
07/28/2010 9:48 PM ET

(Toledo, OH) - Jeff Frazier hit two home runs to lead the Toledo Mud Hens to an 8-5 victory over the Pawtucket Red Sox on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Field.

The PawSox got on the board in the first inning against Andy Oliver (1-0). After Oliver struck out Ryan Kalish to begin the game, Gil Velazquez and Daniel Nava drew back-to-back walks before Mike Lowell and Ryan Shealy hit consecutive RBI singles to give Pawtucket a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second, Casper Wells hit a mammoth home run onto Monroe Street to get Toledo's offense going against Pawtucket starter Robert Coello (2-5). Two outs later, Max St-Pierre walked and Robinzon Diaz drove a double to the gap in left-center field to tie the game.

Pawtucket responded in their next at-bat, taking a 3-2 lead on a Nava single and a Lowell double.

Jeff Frazier's 22nd home run of the season knotted the score in the bottom of the third, but the PawSox re-took the lead on the first pitch on the fourth inning on a home run by catcher Dusty Brown.

Lowell's fourth homer in the last two days made it a 5-3 game in the fifth. In the bottom of the frame, Frazier's second homer of the night gave the Mud Hens their first lead of the game at 6-5.

The Mud Hens would extend their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. After Frazier grounded out, three straight singles plated Toledo's seventh run of the game, and after Max Leon was intentionally walked, St-Pierre's RBI single capped the scoring at 8-5.

Oliver picked up the win for Toledo, and Jay Sborz pitched a perfect ninth for his 18th save. Coello took the loss for Pawtucket.

The Mud Hens improve to 53-52, while the PawSox fall to 45-60.

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

Game Notes

* Game Time Temperature: 75 degrees
* Attendance: 7,412
* Jeff Frazier enjoyed his second two-homer game of the season
* Mike Lowell, on a rehab assignment, hit his fourth home run in the last two days.

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

Hens stymied by Pawtucket in 7-0 loss
By Kyle Rowland
07/29/2010 8:14 PM ET

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Toledo Mud Hens dropped their second game in three days to Pawtucket, 7-0, Thursday night at Fifth Third Field.

For the third consecutive day, Pawtucket scored in the first inning. Unlike yesterday, Toledo was not able to overcome the immediate deficit.

Toledo start L.J. Gagnier (4-5) retired the first two batters before Daniel Nava walked. He would score from first base on an RBI double by Ryan Shealy. A strikeout to Lars Anderson ended the inning.

Pawtucket had just one hit over the next three innings, but came back with four hits and two runs in the fifth. Josh Reddick led off the inning with a single. A walk to Jack Hannahan followed and the PawSox had two on and none out. Three consecutive singles followed (Tug Hulett, Ryan Kalish and Niuman Romero) and all of a sudden it was a 3-0 ballgame. Hulett and Kalish drove in runs on their singles. A fly out by Nava ended the inning.

Felix Doubront (3-3) went 5.1 innings, allowing no runs on six hits. He struck out five and walked three.

The Red Sox blew the game open with four runs in the eighth. Romero led off the inning with a single. After a walk to Nava, Shealy singled to load the bases. A two-RBI double by Anderson made it 5-0 Pawtucket. A single by Reddick scored two more runs to push the margin to seven runs.

The Mud Hens had four hits through two innings but could only muster two more in the final seven. They were 0-for-7 on the night with runners in scoring position.

Toledo falls to .500 on the season at 53-53.

The Hens and Red Sox wrap up their series Friday night at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

* Chris White and Shawn Roof each made their Triple-A and Mud Hen debut tonight.
* White was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Roof was 2-for-4 with two strikeouts.
* Toledo had two hits in the final seven innings.

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