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IL1 Toledo Mud Hens

Crouse Cruises Through Seven, Hens Take Finale

June 29, 2016 - International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release


The recently-struggling Mud Hens offense used a much-needed shutdown performance from starter Matt Crouse and the bullpen to prevent a sweep at the hands of Norfolk on Wednesday. The Hens employed early offense and a late home run by Casey McGehee to separate themselves from the Tides and snag a 4-2 victory before they welcome the IL-best Indianapolis Indians for five games beginning Thursday.

To open the contest, Tides outfielder L.J. Hoes greeted Crouse with a leadoff double in the first. After getting two quick outs, Crouse ran into some bad luck. JaCoby Jones could not handle a sharp grounder to third, allowing Hoes to advance. Ozzie Martinez then blooped a broken-bat single that landed just out of the reach of a sliding Tyler Collins to bring in Hoes and give Norfolk an early 1-0 advantage.

Dixon Machado, however, opened the home half of the first with a leadoff double of his own. Machado was quick out of the box, turning what probably should have just been a single into a two-bagger with hustle and a headfirst slide into second. One batter later, McGehee - who was announced as an IL All-Star prior to first pitch - singled into right to bring in Machado and tie the game at one.

Offense returned in the third for both clubs. Tides outfielder Dariel Alvarez led off the frame with a homer to left that pushed Norfolk ahead 2-1. In the bottom half, Anthony Gose reached on a soft line drive that Martinez dove but could not come up with at short. With Collins at the plate, Gose stole second and advanced to third on a poor throw. Collins proceeded to pick up his second hit of the day - a double that brought in Gose and knotted the game at 2-2.

The Hens crossed the plate again in the fourth, this time on Machado's second double of the game. Jeff McVaney attempted to begin a rally by singling to lead off the inning, but Miguel Gonzalez lined out to right and McVaney was doubled off at first. Tyler Bortnick drew a one-out walk that ended Norfolk starter Nick Addition's day. Machado greeted the reliever, Scott McGough, by doubling to right-center and bringing in Bortnick to take back the lead.

Both pitchers proceeded to keep the opposing offenses at bay until the bottom of the seventh, when McGehee blasted a ball halfway up the net that guards Monroe Street to add some insurance. With this insurance, manager Lloyd McClendon called to his bullpen. Crouse's final line included just two runs (one earned) on eight hits and three strikeouts over seven strong innings. Logan Kensing entered and pitched a perfect frame, earning his ninth hold of the season. Bobby Parnell slammed the door on the Tides for his seventh save of the year to allow the Hens to steal a game from Norfolk after dropping the first two.

The Hens' five-game series with Indianapolis opens Thursday with a 7:05p first pitch at Fifth Third Field. The series will feature a doubleheader on Friday that will make up for a game that was postponed on June 4th due to rain. The first of Friday's contests begins at 5:35p.

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