IL1 Toledo Mud Hens

Hens Take Two with Timely Offense

Published on June 2, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release


Mr.Cub, Ernie Banks famously stated "Lets play two", and that is exactly what occured between the Mud Hens and the Clippers Monday in Columbus. Due to a rainout in April the two clubs sqaured off in two seven inning affairs, looking to shake up the IL West standings.

The Hens would get things rolling by taking the first game of the doubleheader behind strong pitching and timely offense. Hens southpaw Mike Belfiore (2-7) picked up his second win of the season, tossing six strong innings and surrendering just two runs on eight hits. Belfiore racked up a season high in strikeouts Monday night, fanning six Clippers.

Knotted at one run a piece in the third, Clippers SS Francisco Lindor sent a Mike Belfiore offering into the seats for his second home run of the season, setting the score at 2-1. However, the Hens answered back in the sixth off of Clippers starter Toru Murata. After a leadoff walk to Daniel Fields, Steven Moya hit his tenth double of the year putting runners at second and third for Hens' RBI leader (30) Jefry Marte. The third baseman would come through, singling to right field bringing around Daniel Fields to tie the score at two a piece. Later in the sixth a timely single from Corey Jones brought across Steven Moya and broke the tie. Eight of Toledo's nine batters reached base via a hit.

Alberto Cabrera came on and shut the door in the seventh, picking up his fifth save of the season .

In the night cap, the Hens were lead by starting pitcher Derek Hankins (1-1) as he delivered a quality start, throwing six frames of three hit ball and earning his first win of the season. Hankins surrendered 0 earned, with the only Clippers' run coming in the first on a Francisco Lindor pop up.

The second game of the double header included more clutch offense from the Hens in the top of the fourth. Trailing 1-0 Xavier Avery led off with a base hit, and went first to third on a Dixon Machado single, setting up an RBI groundout off the bat of Steven Moya, tying the game. Later in the frame, with the score tied at one, Daniel Fields struck an RBI three bagger over the head of Clippers' outfielder James Ramsey, scoring Dixon Machado and putting the score at 2-1.

Jose valdez came on in the seventh to preserve the lead, as he notched two strikeouts and earned his first save of the season as the Hens swept the doubleheder.

The Mud Hens and Clippers are back in action in the third game of the series on Tuesday, first pitch set for 7:05PM.

Check out the Toledo Mud Hens Statistics

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International League Stories from June 2, 2015


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