IL1 Toledo Mud Hens

Espinal Dazzles in Hens Win

Published on May 23, 2018 under International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - Edwin Espinal had a stellar performance at the plate going 3-for-4 with a homerun and two RBI in the Toledo Mud Hens 4-1 victory over the in-state rival Columbus Clippers.

Jeimer Candelario began an expected two game rehab stint with the Mud Hens (29-15) by reaching third base on an error by the center fielder in the first inning. Dawel Lugo hit a double to left field scoring Candelario and giving Toledo a 1-0 lead. Jim Adduci then hit a two-out line drive single to left field scoring Lugo and pushing the lead to 2-0.

With a single in the third inning, Christin Stewart reached base safely in his 18th consecutive road game which leads the International League in this category.

In the fourth inning, Espinal smashed a solo homerun over the left-center fence giving the Mud Hens a 3-0 advantage. This was Espinal's second homerun of the campaign. Columbus (22-22) was able to plate a run in the bottom half of the inning as Yu Chang his a sacrifice fly to score Lonnie Chisenhall.

Adduci drew a walk in the top of the sixth inning and was then drove in by Espinal who belted a ball off the right field wall for a double and his second RBI of the game. This marks Espinal's seventh multi-hit game and second multi-RBI game of the season.

The Mud Hens would get runners on base but were unable to convert any runs for the remainder of the game. After Adduci crossed the plate, no more runs would be scored in the game.

Drew VerHagen's night ended with his first win in a Toledo jersey in 2018 after six innings of work allowing one earned run on two hits. Verhagen fanned eight Clippers batters and walked one. This marked VerHagen's longest outing of the campaign and his first decision.

In two innings of relief, Paul Voelker allowed no runs on one hit and punched out two batters. Johnny Barbato earned his second save of the year going one inning allowing zero runs on one hit and recorded one strike out.

What's Next:

The Mud Hens remain in Columbus on Thursday for the final game of the series against the Clippers. First pitch from Huntington Park is scheduled for 11:05 a.m.

#RoadToDetroit Report (rankings according to MLB.com 2018 Prospect Watch):

10. OF Christin Stewart: 1-for-4

11. OF Mike Gerber: DNP (DL)

12. IF Dawel Lugo: 1-for-4, double, run, RBI

15. RHP Grayson Long: DNP (DL)

16. RHP Bryan Garcia: DNP (DL)

29. IF Kody Eaves: DNP

Hens Notes:

- The Mud Hens are 5-2 against the Clippers this season, and 15-5 in their last 20 meetings against Cleveland's Triple-A affiliate.

- Toledo is 21-5 when scoring the game's first run.

- With a single in the third inning, Stewart has reached base safely in 18 straight road games, marking the longest active streak in the IL.

- Ronny Rodriguez 18 game consecutive hit streak came to an end. During the streak, Rodriguez hit seven doubles, one triple and four homeruns. He also tallied 17 RBI during this stretch.

- Tigers IF Jeimer Candelario joins the Mud Hens on a rehab assignment. In 37 games with Detroit this season, he's batted .272 with 5 home runs and 16 RBI.

Check out the Toledo Mud Hens Statistics

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International League Stories from May 23, 2018


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