IL1 Toledo Mud Hens

Boesch Comes Through In Clutch, Hens Win Thriller Over Clippers 6-4

Published on April 22, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release


(TOLEDO, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens defeated the Columbus Clippers 6-4 in dramatic fashion Thursday at Fifth Third Field. The victory moved the Hens into a first-place tie in the divison with the Clippers.

Toledo starter Alfredo Figaro got off to a rough start, walking Michael Brantley and Jason Donald to start the game. He was able to get Trevor Crowe to fly out to center before Shelley Duncan and Wes Hodges hit back-to-back RBI singles to put the Clippers ahead 2-0 early. Figaro retired the next two batters to end the long half inning.

After falling behind by two runs in the first inning, Toledo exploded in the bottom of the fourth with four runs of its own. Brennan Boesch started the inning off with a walk and stolen base. After Casper Wells was retired, Jeff Larish walked and Jeff Frazier singled, scoring Boesch and Larish. Max Leon was hit by a pitch in the left foot to put two on. Leon walked to first base gingerly, but his foot didn't appear to bother him after he stormed home from first base on a base hit by Danny Worth. Jeff Fraizer also scored on the hit to put the Hens up 4-2.

The Clippers came back to make it a one-run game with a run in the top of the seventh. Jose Constanza led of the inning with a walk. After a passed ball and ground out by Brantley, he found himself on third with one out. Constanza would score on an RBI single by Donald. The Hens would get Donald out on an unorthodox 1-3-6 after Robbie Weinhardt threw wide to first base on a pick off play. Trevor Crowe struck out to end the threat.

The Hens had the bases loaded with one out in the seventh, but failed to add an insurance run after Larish struck out and Frazier grounded back to the pitcher's mound. It would prove costly.

The eighth inning was full of drama as Columbus tied the game in the top of the inning. Duncan and Hodges both hit singles to begin the inning. After a fielder's choice by Brian Bixler, Duncan found himself on third base. He would score on an RBI single by Anderson Hernandez. Josh Rainwater composed himself, though, retiring the next two batters and keeping the game tied at 4. In the bottom half, Leon reached base on a lead off walk. After a wild pitch by Jess Todd, Leon was on second with none out. With two balls and two strikes, Todd faultered again, hitting Robinzon Diaz. Todd then walked Worth to load the bases and the scene was set for Boesch. He came through with a single to shallow center field to put the Hens up 6-4.

Jay Sborz came on in the ninth to close out the game and collected his league-leading sixth save.

Josh Rainwater picked up his first run of the season, as the Hens move to 9-6 on the season and are now tied with Columbus atop the IL West standings.

Toledo and Columbus continue their three game series Friday at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

-Attendance: 4,186

-First pitch temperature was 53 degrees.

-The game featured four umpires again. It was the same four who umpped Wednesday's game in Louisville.

-Jeff Frazier extended his hitting streak to seven games.

-Former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Mark Schlereth, the father of Mud Hens' pitcher Daniel Schlereth, was on hand for the game.

Check out the Toledo Mud Hens Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International League Stories from April 22, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central