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IL1 Toledo Mud Hens

Mud Hens Fall to Stripers in Series Finale

May 30, 2019 - International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release


The Gwinnett Stripers jumped to an early lead behind a Jack Lopez two-run home run and did not look back.

In the top of the first, Gwinnett began the game with a fly out to right-center before Andres Blanco tallied the first hit of the game, a single that knocked off of first base. Blanco advanced to second on a hit-by-pitch with Travis Demeritte at the plate, but a groundball to third baseman Daniel Pinero would allow Pinero to step on third and fire to first for an inning ending double play.

In the Toledo half of the first, the Hens would also tally hits. With two outs, Harold Castro ripped a shot down the third base line for a single followed by a Mikie Mahtook single up the middle to put two on for the Mud Hens. However, that would be all the action for the inning with the score remaining 0-0 after one.

Gwinnett got on the board in the top of the second, coming on a two-run home run by Jack Lopez. In the inning, Ryan LaMarre reached after being hit by a Spenser Watkins pitch, but was thrown out at second on a groundball fielder's choice by Pedro Florimon. Florimon would then score on Lopez's home run, giving the Stripers a 2-0 lead.

The Stripers would add on runs in the top of the third. The inning began with a walk to Rafael Ortega, who would use a swim move on the base paths to steal second base and avoid the tag. Next, Blanco singled through the left side, advancing Ortega to third for runners at the corners. A sacrifice fly to right field by Demeritte would allow Ortega to tag and score before a long shot by Sean Kazmar Jr. traveled over the left field fence for his eighth home run of the season, giving Gwinnett a 5-0 lead.

After a rain delay in the third inning, the Stripers made a pitching change. Starter Kyle Wright was replaced by Shane Carle. In 2.2 innings, Wright struck out two, both in the first inning, while allowing two hits and no runs.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Mud Hens caught a break. With two outs, Jake Rogers struck out, but the pitched skipped away from the catcher. A rogue throw into the stands allowed Rogers to advance to second, keeping the inning alive for Toledo. However, that would be all for Toledo with Gwinnett's Carle registering a rare four strikeouts in the inning.

Gwinnett added another run in the top of the fifth. Ortega began the inning with a double to deep right and advanced to third on a groundball to shortstop. With the infield in, Ortega beat the throw to home on a Demeritte groundball to short that was scored a fielder's choice, making the score 6-0.

Before the start of the sixth inning, the Mud Hens made a pitching change. John Schreiber replaced the starter Watkins, who tossed five innings, allowing six runs on six hits, two walks and two hit batters while striking out three.

In relief for Gwinnett, Carle struck out six of the eight batters he faced, not allowing a baserunner, before being replaced in the bottom of the sixth by Jonathan Aro.

As for Toledo's first reliever, Schreiber, he would toss just one inning, not allowing a baserunner and striking out one for the Hens. Next out of the pen for the Mud Hens was the right-handed Eduardo Jimenez. Jimenez began the seventh by hitting Blanco and walking Demeritte, but was able to strikeout Kazmar and get LaMarre to ground into a fielder's choice to have two outs with runners at the corners. A fly ball by Alex Jackson to left field would get the Hens out of the inning.

For Jimenez, that would be all his action as he was replaced by Carlos Torres to begin the eighth inning. For Torres, this marked his debut with the Mud Hens. In his one inning of work, Torres did not allow a baserunner, getting all three batters to ground out.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Dustin Peterson knocked a double for the first Hens hit since the first inning. The Stripers' right fielder gave an effort at the wall, but was short in his attempt, allowing Peterson to move into second standing. However, that would be the only hit for Toledo in the inning.

The final pitcher out of the Toledo bullpen would be Caleb Thielbar, who entered in the top of the ninth. Thielbar would send the Stripers down in order thanks to a diving catch by Daz Cameron in right-center.

What's Next:

Toledo will move on to the second half of the current homestand on Friday, beginning a series with Charlotte that will take place through Sunday. Bring your furry friends for fireworks on Friday and take in a game of Mud Hens baseball when starting pitcher Tyler Alexander and the Hens face the Knights, beginning at 7:05 p.m. Friday's contest will be a Paws and Pints night at Fifth Third Field as well as a fireworks display following the game. Go to mudhens.com for more details.

#RoadToDetroitReport (rankings according to MLB.com 2019 Prospect Watch):

5. OF Daz Cameron: 0 for 3

6. RHP Beau Burrows: DNP (IL)

7. IF Willi Castro: 0 for 4

10. RHP Kyle Funkhouser: DNP (IL)

12. C Jake Rogers: 0 for 3

16. OF Jacob Robson: 0 for 4

19. RHP Bryan Garcia: DNP

20. OF Danny Woodrow: DNP

23. RHP John Schreiber: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

26. LHP Gregory Soto: DNP

27. RHP Sandy Baez: DNP

28. LHP Matt Hall: DNP

29. IF/OF Dustin Peterson: 1 for 3, 2B

Hens' Notes:

- Mr. Patrick J. Kelly joined the Mud Hens for the ceremonial first pitch. Mr. Kelly was the inaugural commissioner for the ECHL and the namesake of the Kelly Cup, which the Toledo Walleye are currently competing for.

- Harold Castro made his first start of the season in center field for Toledo.

- The game was delayed during the bottom of the third inning due to a passing rain storm, but would resume after a 28 minute delay.

- Carlos Torres made his debut with the Mud Hens, pitching in the eighth inning, after beginning the season with El Paso.

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