Hens Claim Series with Finale Win over Durham
May 26, 2016 - International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release
The Mud Hens came away with a series win over Durham after taking the rubber match from the Bulls on Thursday. The Hens spread their offense out evenly to claim their first series since taking three-of-five games from Louisville on May 9-12.
Toledo played from in front in the series finale, taking a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a 2-run homer by Chad Huffman. Anthony Gose, who reached on a double, trotted home along with him.
Matt Crouse made his first start at the Triple-A level after being called up from Double-A Erie. The southpaw allowed two earned runs on six hits while tallying four strikeouts in as many innings of work. Crouse maneuvered around baserunners in the second and third innings before allowing some runs in the fourth.
The Bulls got on the board in the fourth frame when second baseman Nick Franklin led off the inning with a single to center that a diving Gose could not hang on to. Crouse was able to record a strikeout, but Richie Shaffer and J.P. Arencibia followed with singles of their own to load the bases. Luke Maile then doubled to deep center, scoring Franklin and Shaffer. Crouse was able to keep the game tied by striking out two more Durham batters to end what would be his last inning of work.
Toledo answered back in the bottom of the fourth with another run to take a 3-2 lead. Casey McGehee drew a walk to start things off and John Hicks moved him to third on a single to center. Argenis Diaz then singled to bring in McGehee and reclaim the lead for the Hens.
More offense would follow in the sixth - the rally again beginning with a leadoff walk. Chad Huffman drew the base on balls, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and made it to third on a groundout by McGehee. After a Hicks walk, Tyler Collins singled to bring in Huffman. Diaz picked up another RBI with a single of his own to score Hicks and make it 5-3 in favor of the Hens.
The last bit of offense in the game would come from the Bulls in the seventh. Angel Nesbitt entered and got a groundout before giving up a solo shot to Franklin, making it 5-4 at stretch time. Durham did threaten in the eighth, but Bobby Parnell escaped a jam with runners on first and second to keep the lead. Bruce Rondon found himself with runners on second and third, but worked his way out of it to pick up the save and seal the series for Toledo.
The Mud Hens begin a three-game set with Buffalo on Friday, May 27th at 7:05 p.m. at Fifth Third Field.
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