On deck: Mud Hens vs. Richmond

7/25/2003

When: Today and tomorrow, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.; Monday, 7 p.m.

TV: Saturday on TV5.

Radio: 1470 AM.

Affiliation: Richmond, Atlanta Braves.

Pitching probables (Hens listed last): today, LHP Sam McConnell (4-1, 2.89 ERA) vs. RHP Tyler Walker (2-6, 4.33); tomorrow, LHP Andy Pratt (6-6, 3.18) vs. RHP Pat Ahearne (2-2, 3.71); Sunday, RHP Travis Phelps (6-3, 3.55) vs. LHP Nate Robertson (6-6, 3.47); Monday, RHP Jason Marquis (8-4, 3.35) vs. RHP Shane Loux (11-6, 3.02).

Braves banter: Richmond has won seven of its last 11 games and has moved to within 61/2 games of Durham in the International League's South Division - even though the Braves are in last place. ... The Braves had a 3.68 team ERA, tops in the league, heading into last night's game, and their 824 strikeouts were the most in the IL by almost 100 whiffs. ... C Johnny Estrada, the MVP of the Triple-A All-Star game, led the league with a .342 batting average; he also had a .402 on-base percentage. ... As a team the Braves had 44 triples, with Stubby Clapp and Donzell McDonald among the leaders with eight apiece. ... Pitcher Joey Dawley ranks among the league leaders with 16 saves, but Will Cunnane has had a pair recently. ... Clay High School grad Chris Fussell is 7-9 with a 4.28 ERA for the Braves this season.

Hen happenings: Toledo has won six of the eight meetings between the two teams this year, including a pair of wins in three games at Fifth Third Field. ... OF Cody Ross had his nine-game hitting streak halted in last night's game. During that span Ross hit .341 with three doubles, a triple and a home run among his 14 hits. ... C Brandon Inge also had been hot, hitting .441 in his last 10 games. ... OF Ernie Young has a .368 batting average in seven games against the Braves this season. ... Since the All-Star break the Hens bullpen has allowed just five earned runs in 172/3 innings for a 2.55 ERA. ... Toledo pitchers have combined for a 1.43 ERA in 63 innings against the Braves this season.

Special events: A limited number of tickets remain for the games tonight and tomorrow. ... Today's game will feature an appearance by Reggy, a costumed mascot who performs between innings. There also will be fireworks after the contest. ... Tomorrow night's game also will feature post-game fireworks. ... Two Mud Hens will sign autographs from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. Sunday, and kids will be allowed to run the bases after the game. ... Monday's game is being billed as “Hilarious Hat Night,” with the first 2,000 fans receiving funny headwear.

Next home series: vs. Columbus, Aug. 2-3.