Red-Hot Hens Cooled by Tides in Opener
June 8, 2018 - International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release
TOLEDO, Ohio - The Toledo Mud Hens surrendered just two baserunners over the final seven innings, but could not overcome an early deficit in a 3-1 decision to the Norfolk Tides on Friday at Fifth Third Field.
Making his Fifth Third Field debut, Tyler Alexander tossed seven innings for the Mud Hens (37-22), allowing three earned runs on seven hits while striking out a pair in a losing cause. Victor Alcantara and Kevin Chapman each added a perfect inning in relief. In total, Toledo pitching retired the final 10 batters it faced and 22 of the last 24 overall.
Reigning International League Player of the Month Ronny Rodriguez finished 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while Christin Stewart went 1-for-4 with a single to extend his hitting streak to seven consecutive games. Mike Gerber drove in the Mud Hens' lone run, going 1-for-4 with an RBI single in the sixth inning.
Norfolk (31-26) captured the lead with three runs on three consecutive hits in the top of the second. Garabez Rosa and Ruben Tejada started the inning with back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second with nobody out. Mike Yastrzemski then cleared the bases with a drive to center that got past Mikie Mahtook and rolled all the way to the wall for an inside-the-park home run, giving the Tides a 3-0 advantage.
After stranding runners on the corners in the fifth frame, Toledo finally made its breakthrough against reliever Zach Britton in the bottom of the next inning. Rodriguez zipped a leadoff double down the left-field line, and scored when Gerber grounded a base hit up the middle to trim the deficit to 3-1.
The Mud Hens brought the potential tying run to the plate in the bottom of the eighth. Pete Kozma lined a one-out single into right, moving to second on a passed ball before advancing another 90 feet on a wild pitch. However, Rodriguez and Gerber were retired in order as the visitors held on to their two-run lead.
What's Next:
The Mud Hens remain at Fifth Third Field on Saturday for game two of their three-game set against Norfolk. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
- GAMEDAY THEME: Veterans Appreciation Night, presented by Owens Community College
- SPECIAL EVENT: Boy Scout Sleepover; Postgame Fireworks; Hensville Live! presented by NSG
#RoadToDetroit Report (rankings according to MLB.com 2018 Prospect Watch):
10. OF Christin Stewart: 1-for-4, single
11. OF Mike Gerber: 1-for-4, single, RBI
12. IF Dawel Lugo: 0-for-4
15. RHP Grayson Long: DNP (DL)
16. RHP Bryan Garcia: DNP (DL)
18. LHP Tyler Alexander: L, 7.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO
Hens Notes:
- With a leadoff double in the sixth inning, Rodriguez has recorded a hit in 16 consecutive home games, which stands as the IL's longest active streak.
- The Mud Hens are 24-4 when holding their opponent to three or fewer runs.
- Toledo is 8-4 in two-run games this season.
- Espinal owns the IL's best fielding percentage among first basemen with a .997 clip. He also paces the circuit with 31 assists at first base.
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