Mud Hens pitcher in good condition after struck by line drive

4/24/2010

The condition of the Mud Hens pitcher who was struck in the head with a line drive hit has improved overnight, authorities said.

Ruddy Lugo, 29, went from serious condition late Friday to good condition early Saturday at Toledo Hospital, a hospital spokesman said.

Lugo was the starting pitcher at the Friday night home game, when he was knocked in the right temple with the hit just seven pitches into the match against the Columbus Clippers.

"That's the scariest thing that can happen to a pitcher," said Jason Waddell, one of four pitchers who came on in relief of Lugo. "That not something you can have on your mind when you're pitching.