IL1 Louisville Bats

VanMeter Delivers in 5-2 Comeback Win

Published on August 23, 2018 under International League (IL1)
Louisville Bats News Release


LOUISVILLE, Ky. - In the final meeting this year, the Louisville Bats (55-71) delivered a remarkable comeback win in the late stages of the game to clinch a 5-2 win over the Toledo Mud Hens (65-63). With tonight's performance, Josh VanMeter recorded his fifth three-hit game in his last twelve performances.

Jose Lopez (5-11, 4.29) was extremely solid in a no-decision on the mound. He went 6.1 innings dealing his second consecutive one-run outing while allowing six hits, walking two and striking out two on 101 pitches (66 strikes). Left-handed reliever, Kyle Crockett (2-0, 3.09) entered in the seventh and recorded the win, shutting down the Toledo offense and striking out one on eight pitches (six strikes).

Toledo struck early to get on the board first in the second inning. Daz Cameron advanced to first after being hit by a pitch when Jason Krizan came up with a base hit to land runners on the corners. Harold Castro then found the gap in left field to score the first run and give the Mud Hens the lead.

The middle of the game saw retired batters fall like dominos. Strong defense blanked fly balls and both starting pitchers found a groove over the plate, dealing strikes and limiting any signs of an offensive surge from either side.

Just when both sides had quietened down, the Bats chirped up. Following an opening walk to Nick Longhi in the seventh, Valentin Martinez recorded his first Triple-A hit from a single to right field to push Longhi to second and put two on. From there, VanMeter did his thing. In his fourth consecutive multi-hit game, he struck a line drive down the right field line to bring home Longhi and tie the game. VanMeter has now recorded multi-hit performances in seven of his last 12 games.

As quick as the game was tied, Toledo was just as quick to steal back the lead. In the bottom frame with Matt Wisler replacing Jose Lopez on the mound, Chad Huffman doubled followed by a Christin Stewart single to plate two. Daz Cameron came up with another single to push the runner home and make it 2-1 Mud Hens.

While the game went quiet through the middle innings, the Bats turned up the volume in the eighth. Blake Trahan got the momentum going with an opening single followed by an in-field single from Guerrero. An intentional walk to Peterson then loaded the bases when Nick Longhi stepped up to the plate and was hit by a pitch to push Trahan home and put Louisville ahead 3-2. With the bases still loaded, Josh VanMeter demonstrated his talents yet again with a cracking single to left field to score O'Grady and Peterson and clinch the lead.

Kevin Quackenbush entered in the ninth and sealed the 5-2 win, recording his 23rd save of the season.

The Bats remain home at Louisville Slugger Field for a three-game set against the Indianapolis Indians. Right-handed starter Keury Mella (2-1, 3.00) will duel against fellow righty Tyler Eppler (12-6, 3.80). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.

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International League Stories from August 23, 2018


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