TOLEDO, Ohio – Coming off a series win in Iowa, the Mud Hens began a new series, welcoming the Omaha Storm Chasers to Fifth Third Field. The Mud Hens came into today’s game with a 5-7 record against Omaha, this season (all road games). RHP Elvin Rodriguez got the call
TOLEDO, Ohio – Coming off a series win in Iowa, the Mud Hens began a new series, welcoming the Omaha Storm Chasers to Fifth Third Field. The Mud Hens came into today’s game with a 5-7 record against Omaha, this season (all road games). RHP Elvin Rodriguez got the call for today’s game, hoping to lead the Mud Hens to victory, and to have a better outing than his previous two. In his last two games, Rodriguez had allowed nine earned runs in 6.1 innings. Kerry Carpenter came into this series, driving in nine runs in the Iowa series, along with Brendon Davis driving in six.
The Omaha Storm Chasers got off to a hot start, driving in three runs in the first inning, with back-to-back home runs. It would take the Mud Hens five innings, to tally their first hit. The number 20 prospect, Andre Lipcius would hit a line drive to left center, giving the Hens their first hit of the ballgame. Although, the Storm Chasers looked as if they were outmatching the Hens, the Mud Hens
In the bottom of the seventh, Toledo still trailed, with a score of 3-0. However, Jack Lopez would hit his third home run in seven days (fifth of the year), putting the Hens on the board. Then, Jamie Westbrook and Andre Lipcius would follow up with a single. Next batter, Dustin Garneau would give the Mud Hens the lead with a three-run blast. Garneau’s fifth homer of the year gave the Mud Hens a late 4-3 lead, after the seventh.
With the Mud Hens looking like the win in hand, the Storm Chasers would tally a run in the top of the ninth. But the bats were still awake for the Mud Hens. Dustin Garneau would hit a one out double. Then, Ryan Kreidler would walk with two outs. With two on and two out, Josh Lester hit an RBI single, giving the Mud Hens a 5-4 victory in the season opener.
“It is every baseball player’s dream. I was happy to help this time get the win…. Hitting is a confidence thing. Comparing from the beginning of the year, I have improved my swing which has helped build my confidence.” Lester said.
“He has been tremendous at the plate lately and has helped us out a lot on the field, as we have moved him around.” Manager Lloyd McClendon said.
NOTABLE BATTERS:
Dustin Garneau: 2-4, HR, 3 RBI, R, K
Andre Lipcius: 2-4, R
Jack Lopez: 1-2, HR, RBI, R
NEXT UP: The Toledo Mud Hens will look to get their fourth straight victory and nod the season series with the Storm Chasers. RHP Bryan Garcia will look to throw the first pitch at 7:05pm ET.