Mud Hens Edge Knights 6-4 in Extra-Inning Showdown
August 14, 2024 - International League (IL)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release
The Mud Hens pulled off a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Charlotte Knights in a nail-biting showdown that stretched into three extra innings.
Returning from the Tigers, Ryan Vilade set the tone early with a base hit, followed by aggressive base running that saw him steal both second and third. Spencer Torkelson drew a walk, setting up Jace Jung for a forceout RBI that gave the Hens a 1-0 lead.
In the second inning, Trey Sweeney sparked momentum with a sharp double to center, quickly advancing to third. After Stephen Scott drew a walk and stole second, Eddys Leonard stepped up with a clutch double, driving in two more runs to extend the lead. The Knights managed a double of their own but were held scoreless by two pop flies and a strikeout.
The third inning saw the Knights claw back with two runs, narrowing the Hens' lead. Another run in the fourth tied the game, and both teams entered a stretch of tight defense and swift 1-2-3 innings.
Ricky Vanasco took the mound in the seventh, delivering two strikeouts and a flyout to shut down the Knights. The eighth inning saw a rare base on balls but no further action, thanks to Devin Sweet's precise pitching.
As the game entered the ninth, the Mud Hens weren't ready to back down. Jung's walk and Justice Bigbie's single loaded the bases, but the opportunity slipped away after a flyout and strikeout. With the game deadlocked, extra innings loomed.
In the tenth, Leonard began on second base, but the Hens couldn't capitalize. The eleventh inning, however, was a different story. Riley Unroe, starting on second, scored on Sweeney's second double of the night, giving the Hens a glimmer of hope. The Knights answered with a run of their own, but Leonard wasn't done yet. His third RBI of the game sent Kreidler home, reclaiming the lead. Andrew Navigato then blasted a home run to left field, securing a two-run cushion.
The Mud Hens' defense held firm in the final inning, clinching the victory. The weeklong series continues tomorrow at 7:04 PM, with the Mud Hens looking to build on their momentum.
Notables:
Eddys Leonard (1-4, 3RBI)
Andrew Navigato (1-3, RBI, HR)
• Discuss this story on the International League message board...
International League Stories from August 14, 2024
- Sounds Lose Heartbreaker in Extras to Bulls - Nashville Sounds
- Knights Fall to Mud Hens in 12 Innings on Wednesday, 6-4 - Charlotte Knights
- RailRiders Top Bisons, 3-1 - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Bats Can't Capitalize on Early Lead in 5-4 Loss to Omaha - Louisville Bats
- Elder, Baldwin Send Stripers to 13-3 Rout of Norfolk - Gwinnett Stripers
- Bulls Outlast Sounds in 12, 10-9 - Durham Bulls
- Redbirds Allow Six in Seventh to Blow Late Lead at Jumbo Shrimp - Memphis Redbirds
- Mud Hens Edge Knights 6-4 in Extra-Inning Showdown - Toledo Mud Hens
- Six-Run Seventh Powers Jacksonville to 7-2 Win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Fitts, Bullpen Lead WooSox to 2-1 Win Over IronPigs - Worcester Red Sox
- Bisons' Offense Held in Check by Scranton 3-1 on Wednesday - Buffalo Bisons
- Maton Homer Not Enough For Tides - Norfolk Tides
- Mick Abel Sharp Again But 'Pigs Drop Pitcher's Duel to WooSox - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Indians Walk off Wednesday Matinee, 6-5 - Indianapolis Indians
- SWB Game Notes - Aug 14 - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Rochester Red Wings Post-Game Notes - 8.14 - Rochester Red Wings
- Saints Build Five Run Lead Early, But Walked-Off in Ninth, 6-5 - St. Paul Saints
- Syracuse Falters Late in 11-2 Loss at Rochester on Wednesday Afternoon - Syracuse Mets
- August 14 Game Postponed - Iowa Cubs
- Rece Hinds Ready for More After Historic Debut - Louisville Bats
- Together, the Red Sox' "Big Three" Climb the Ladder to Triple-A - Worcester Red Sox
- August 14 Game Notes: Iowa Cubs vs. Columbus Clippers - Iowa Cubs
- Rochester Red Wings Game Notes - August 14 vs. Syracuse - Rochester Red Wings
- Homer Happy Red Wings Soar over Syracuse in Series Opener - Rochester Red Wings
- Storm Chasers Drop Series Opener 9-2 After Late Louisville Rally - Omaha Storm Chasers
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.
