On deck: Charlotte series key for Hens
8/11/2003The Mud Hens will host Charlotte in an important two-game home stand at Fifth Third Field starting tonight.
The Hens will send southpaw Nate Robertson (8-7, 3.24 ERA) to the mount to face another lefty in the Knights' Mike Porzio (5-6, 5.31) tonight, while Toledo's Seth Greisinger (5-7, 4.10) will take on right-hander Brian Cooper (12-9, 3.79) tomorrow.
Both games are scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
The Hens and Knights are in the same situation: Both are looking to keep wild-card hopes alive or cut the gap between themselves and division leaders. Toledo is 10 games behind Louisville in the IL's West Division and 51/2 games down in the wild-card chase, while Charlotte trails Durham by three games in the IL South and is 31/2 back in the wild-card hunt.
While the Hens have played near-.500 ball since the All-Star break, the Knights won 16 of their first 24 games following the break to push for the post-season.
Tonight the Mud Hens expect to welcome the one millionth fan to Fifth Third Field, and to honor this milestone the team will select one fan and give them a chance to win one million pennies - or $10,000.
If the 100th pitch thrown by a Charlotte hurler is hit for a home run, the fan will win the pennies. The lucky fan also will win 10 $100,000 candy bars and other “millionaire' prizes.
Tomorrow is billed as “Bizzarro Night” with tributes to the television show Seinfeld throughout the contest.