Relentless Rally Falls Short in Ninth
Published on June 25, 2016 under International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release
The Hens went into Saturday evening looking to extend their winning ways to three in a row, as Thad Weber took the ball for Toledo. Weber was opposed by Syracuse's Paolo Espino who went into the game looking for his fourth win of the season. And Espino would not disappoint as he was able to keep the Hens' bats off balance all game long en route to a game two win.
Syracuse's offense got things rolling for Espino in the top of the first as Trea Turner crossed the plate to make it 1-0 on a single from Jhonathan Solano. The Chiefs plated one run a piece in both the 2nd an 5th off Weber on RBI singles as well off the bats of Steve Lombardozzi and Brian Goodwin as the lead extended to 3-0.
Paolo Espino had the Toledo bats silenced all evening long as they were only able to muster up four hits off the crafty right-hander. Espino's stellar evening ended after eight solid frames in which he allowed just one run of four hits with six strikeouts.
Thad Weber had himself another frustrating night on the mound after he was unable to keep the Chiefs' offense in control. The righty exited after five innings in which he gave up four runs on seven hits with four punch outs.
The lone run off Espino came in the 8th when Toledo backstop John Hicks led off the frame with a well struck double to right field, and came around to score on an RBI ground out from Argenis Diaz.
Down by five headed into the top of the ninth inning, the Hens offense was in a familiar yet comfortable spot as they have rallied all season long when trailing late on the road. Saturday's ninth inning efforts were no different as Toledo showed its grittiness at the dish once again.
With one out in the ninth, Casey McGehee hit a double and scored as Tyler Collins followed the double with an RBI base hit of his own. With the score at 6-2, JaCoby Jones stuck to the theme of the inning and hit an RBI double of his own scoring Collins and closing the gap to just three. Jones crossed the plate as well on the next play when Jordany Valdespin hit an infield ground out to short.
The three run rally fell just short, but the Hens did however reach a season high for doubles in a game on Saturday as they stroked four two baggers, including two from John Hicks.
The two teams have a quick turnaround as the final game of the series is set for Sunday, with the first pitch at 1:05 PM.
International League Stories from June 25, 2016
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- Chiefs Outlast Mud Hens 6-4 - Syracuse Mets
- Bats Edge Wings 3-2 - Rochester Red Wings
- Relentless Rally Falls Short in Ninth - Toledo Mud Hens
- Bulls Fall to IronPigs for Second Straight Loss - Durham Bulls
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- SWB Game Notes - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- LHV Game Notes - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
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- Wings Fall in Extras - Rochester Red Wings
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