Battle For The Best In The West Is On
Published on August 22, 2006 under International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release
The Mud Hens will host interdivision rivals Indianapolis and Louisville August 23-27 with huge playoff implications on the line. The Hens, Indians, and Bats are all separated by one game in the competitive International League West Division (on August 21) and this homestand could very well deicide the playoff fate of all three clubs.
Currently, Indianapolis (70-59) is leading the West but Toledo (69-59) and Louisville (69-59) trail by just one game. The Hens will look to continue their stellar division play, as they lead the West with a record of 22-15 within their division. The Hens also boast the best home record among the three teams of 42-24 (.631) and look to benefit from the Fifth Third Field crowds in both key match ups.
Toledo will take on Indianapolis in the first two games of the series as the Indians look to avenge their 2005 Governors' Cup Final loss to Toledo. The Hens are 8-6 versus the Indians this season, and 4-2 at the friendly confines of Fifth Third Field. Hen's hurlers have held the Indians bats in check so far this season, holding them to a team batting average of just .225 in the 14 games. Slugger IF Josh Phelps (.333, 4 HR, 9 RBI) has paced the Mud Hens offensive attack against the Tribe along with the mid-season addition of OF Dustan Mohr (.378, HR, 3 RBI). RHP Chad Durbin
Part two of the homestand will feature a three-game set between the Hens and Louisville Bats. The Hens have faired well versus the Bats this season, compiling a record of 8-5 and 3-2 at Fifth Third Field. All-Star OF/IF Ryan Raburn (.362, 5 HR, 14 RBI) and Phelps (.340, 4 HR, 12 RBI) have lead the Hens offense versus the Bats. The fine pitching by Durbin has also contributed to the success of the Hens in games with the Bats. Durbin possesses a record of 2-0, with an excellent ERA of 2.53, in three starts, and he has also been able to eat innings averaging just over 7.0 IP in each contest. RHP Lee Gardner has anchored the back end of the bullpen picking up four saves in seven innings of solid relief.
Following this vital homestand, the Hens go on a six-game road trip, traveling to Durham, Charlotte, and Columbus before returning to Toledo for the final series of the 2006 season, a two-game set with the Clippers. The Indians and Bats will play 9 of their last 11 games on the road, while the Hens will play 7 of their last 13 right here in Toledo. Indianapolis and Louisville will also face off against one another on the seasons final weekend, a four-game series split between the two cities.
As the regular season comes to a close, the heat is definitely on in the IL West. Come on out to the yard this week and play your part in giving the Hens an electrifying home field advantage as they make the final push for the pennant. Call (419) 725-HENS for tickets.
International League Stories from August 22, 2006
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- Braves sweep Bats - Gwinnett Stripers
- Six run fourth lifts Tribe to 6-1 win over Durham - Indianapolis Indians
- Lynx finish homestand with a bang; win 8-4 - Ottawa Lynx
- Bisons announce Time Warner Cable fan appreciation week - Buffalo Bisons
- Knights and Tides Rained Out - Charlotte Knights
- SkyChiefs game notes - Syracuse Mets
- Playoff Tickets On Sale August 24 - Louisville Bats
- R-Braves game notes - Gwinnett Stripers
- Bisons Notes - Buffalo Bisons
- Indians seek sponsorship sales account executive - Indianapolis Indians
- Battle For The Best In The West Is On - Toledo Mud Hens
- Hens to Host Crucial Five Game Stand - Toledo Mud Hens
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