Hannahan powers Hens past Bisons
6/6/2006BUFFALO - Hot-handed Jack Hannahan kept up his torrid hitting, providing all the offense for the Toledo Mud Hens in last night's 4-2 triumph over the Buffalo Bisons.
Hannahan (3-for-4) powered the Hens to a 4-0 lead with a two-run homer in the fourth, followed by a two-run single in the fifth. He now has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, going 14-for-34 in that span.
"I've just been seeing the ball better," said Hannahan. "And my teammates have been getting on base for me."
Last night's performance didn't rate as his most productive of the season, as he knocked in five runs against Richmond on May 4. But it was more than enough support for Hens left-hander Wil Ledezma (3-3).
Hannahan broke up a scoreless tie when he drilled a 2-0 offering from Bisons starter Hyang-Nam Choi (2-4) over the fence in straight-away center. It was his fifth home run of the season and came after Ryan Ludwick had singled to open the inning.
Next inning, the Hens loaded the bases when Choi surrendered singles to Maxim St-Pierre and Alexis Gomez, plus a walk to Ryan Raburn. Choi retired Ludwick, then gave way to reliever Edward Mujica. Hannahan worked him to a 2-1 count, then pulled a single into right field that scored St-Pierre and Gomez.
Ledezma held the Bisons scoreless on just two hits through the first five innings. The only speed bump came in the sixth, when he left a fastball up to Bisons first baseman Ryan Garko, who swatted a two-run homer, his seventh of the year.
But that was all that Ledezma would allow while going eight innings, his longest outing of the season. He gave up six hits and two walks, while striking out five.
Toledo closer Lee Gardner came on in the ninth and set down the Bisons in order, earning his 11th save.
NOTE: Gomez was called up by the parent Detroit Tigers to replace pitcher Chris Spurling, who will be heading to the Hens.