On Deck: Mud Hens vs. Richmond

8/13/2004

• When: Today and tomorrow, 7 p.m.

• TV: Tomorrow, BCSN

• Radio: 1470 AM

• Affiliation: Richmond, Atlanta Braves.

• Pitching probables (Hens listed last): today, RH Jose Capellan (2-1, 1.42 ERA) vs. RH Shane Loux (7-11, 5.29); tomorrow, RH Mike Romano (10-5, 3.50) vs. RH Rick Kirsten (3-2, 5.47).

• Braves banter: Richmond enters this series atop the IL's South Division. The R-Braves rank second in the IL in team batting average (.281) and are fourth in on-base percentage (.346). IF Pete Orr ranks third in the league with a .333 batting average. As a team the Braves have hit .320 against the Hens this season, led by 3B Wilson Betemit's .405 mark. IF Luis Lopez has 12 RBIs in six games versus Toledo, while OF Ryan Langerhans has 11 RBIs in 10 games. Richmond leads the league in a variety of different team pitching categories, including ERA (3.82), fewest hits allowed (965) and fewest home runs allowed (87). RH Matt Whiteside, the R-Braves closer, leads the league with 29 saves.

• Hen happenings: Toledo began play yesterday 3 1/2 games behind Columbus in the IL's West Division. The Mud Hens were three games in back of Durham in the wild-card race, with three other teams between the Hens and Bulls. The Mud Hens have won four of the 10 meetings between the two teams this season, splitting four games at Fifth Third Field. Toledo enters this series having lost its last five home games. 1B Andy Barkett has hit .342 against the R-Braves this season with seven RBIs in 10 games. Wednesday's win in Charlotte was the Hens' first in 10 August games. In those games Toledo had a .222 batting average, scoring only 33 runs, while the pitching staff had a 6.70 ERA.

• Special events: The Hens will host Friday the 13th Night at Fifth Third Field today, featuring Halloween prizes and contests. Comic Myron Noodleman will perform during the game, with post-game fireworks to follow. There will be a one-day baseball camp featuring Hens players and coaches from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow. The "Singing Hot Dog Vendor" from Comerica Park will be at the contest, and there will be fireworks afterward.

• Next home series: vs. Louisville, Aug. 15-16.