Hopkins Shines in Triple-A Debut, Bats Fall 5-1 on Wednesday
August 28, 2022 - International League (IL)
Louisville Bats News Release
TOLEDO, OH - TJ Hopkins made a stellar Triple-A debut, knocking a home run in his first at-bat but the Louisville Bats (50-69) could not overcome a late push by the Toledo Mud Hens (62-55), falling 5-1 on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Field.
After a quick fly out to start the game, the Bats put stress on Toledo's starter early, getting two runners in scoring position in the opening frame of the game. Despite the situation, the Mud Hens got out of the inning without allowing a run.
In the Bats next at-bat, recent call up TJ Hopkins stepped to the plate for his first Triple-A at bat to lead off the inning. With a 1-0 count, Hopkins launched a ball to straight away center field for a home run, notching his first hit and home run with one swing to give Louisville a 1-0 lead.
Toledo answered in the following frame, scoring a run on a sacrifice fly to even the score 1-1 after two innings.
Louisville threatened to score in the seventh inning when Juniel Querecuto and Hopkins got on to start the inning. The threat hit a speed bump when Querecuto was caught trying to steal home but picked up steam when Mark Kolozsvary and Isiah Gilliam each drew a walk to load the bases with two outs. The threat would ultimately come to pass with an infield pop-up to end the inning.
The Mud Hens took advantage of their opportunity in the bottom half of the seventh, scoring two runs to take a 3-1 lead. One inning later, Toledo added on two more insurance runs to push its lead to 5-1 through eight innings.
Louisville attempted a rally in the ninth, getting two base runners on with a single out, but a ground ball double-play ended the opportunity as the Bats fell 5-1.
Hopkins finished his Triple-A debut 3-for-4 at the plate with the home run, recording his first Triple-A hit, run, RBI and home run all on one swing.
Louisville and Toledo will play game three of the six-game series tomorrow night with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 pm E.T. Right-hander Deck McGuire (2-3, 6.84) is slated to pitch for the Bats, taking on fellow righty Chi Chi Gonzalez (2-3, 4.25) for the Mud Hens.
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