IL1 Toledo Mud Hens

Mahtook Homers as Hens Fall to Bulls

Published on July 24, 2018 under International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release


DURHAM, NC - The Toledo Mud Hens fell 4-3 to the Durham Bulls on Tuesday evening at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The West Division leading Toledo Mud Hens (53-47) left 13 runners on base in a battle with the South Division leading Durham Bulls (57-43) who only left six runners on base.

The Durham Bulls struck first on a two-run homerun by Christian Arroyo in the bottom half of the first inning. Toledo Mud Hens starter Artie Lewicki gave up three hits in the first inning, including the homerun.

In the second inning, Mikie Mahtook got the Mud Hens on the board with a solo bomb over the left-field wall. The home run was Mahtook's ninth of the campaign. The Bulls fought back in the bottom half adding two more runs. Andrew Velazquez hit a double to center to score Nick Ciuffo and Arroyo singled to score Velazquez giving Durham a 4-1 lead.

Paul Voelker came in for Lewicki in the sixth inning. Lewicki allowed four runs on six hits in five innings of work while fanning four and walking one batter.

Dixon Machado and Jacob Robson worked back-to-back walks to lead off the seventh inning for Toledo. Dawel Lugo then knocked a single down the right field line to score Machado. Robson was caught stretching from second to third and Lugo advanced to second on the throw.

Mike Gerber led off the eighth with a walk followed by a single by Grayson Greiner. Edwin Espinal moved the runners over with a sacrifice bunt and one out in the inning. Harold Castro then reached on an infield single to the short stop to score Gerber and cut the Durham lead to one. Machado then flew out to center and the Bulls made a pitching change with runners on first and second with two outs. Robson then struck out to end the inning.

Kevin Comer came on to pitch the eighth inning in relief of Voelker. Voelker pitched two shutout innings allowing a single hit. Despite allowing two hits, Comer retired the side on strikeouts without allowing a run.

Going into the ninth inning, Toledo trailed Durham 4-3. In the ninth inning, Stewart reached first with a one out walk. Mahtook then reached base on an error that put him at second and moved Stewart to third. Gerber went down on strikes leaving the Hens two runners in scoring position with two outs. Greiner then popped up to the short stop to end the game as Durham won 4-3.

What's Next:

The Mud Hens will be back in action tomorrow night against the Durham Bulls at 7:05 for the second game of the three-game series.

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

5. OF Christin Stewart: 0-for-4

7. RHP Kyle Funkhouser: DNP (DL)

11. OF Mike Gerber: 0-for-4, run

12. IF Dawel Lugo: 1-for-5, RBI

15. RHP Grayson Long: DNP (DL)

16. RHP Bryan Garcia: DNP (DL)

18. LHP Tyler Alexander: DNP

23. LHP Matt Hall: DNP

26. OF Jacob Robson: 0-for-4

Hens Notes:

- Tigers seventh ranked prospect RHP Kyle Funkhouser fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot after turning his ankle on an uneven sidewalk while walking home after a game. He will need surgery and the Tigers anticipate Funkhouser to be ready to go for spring training in 2019.

- Toledo left 13 runners on base in the loss.

- The Hens have lost four games in a row which ties the longest losing skid of the season.

- With Indianapolis losing, the Mud Hens stay atop the West Division by half a game heading into tomorrow.

Check out the Toledo Mud Hens Statistics

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



International League Stories from July 24, 2018


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