Bats silence Hens

4/10/2011

LOUISVILLE — The Toledo Mud Hens dropped the finale of their four game series against the Louisville Bats, 5-1, Sunday at Louisville Slugger Field. Mud Hens starter Duane Below (0-1) took the loss in his Triple-A debut after allowing four runs and seven hits over four innings. Toledo could only muster four hits against three Louisville pitchers.

Former Mud Hen Dontrelle Willis (1-0) started for the Bats and was masterful, keeping his former club off the scoreboard by allowing just three hits and striking out five over his six innings of work.

Louisville's first four runs of the contest came on home runs. Todd Frazier and Devin Mesoraco launched solo shots in the bottom of the second and fourth respectively. Kris Negron also went deep with a two-run home run in the fourth as well.

The Mud Hens responded in the top of the seventh when first baseman Ryan Strieby singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Strieby was then brought home when second baseman Argenis Diaz singled to make the score 5-1, Louisville.

Toledo would not score again and went down in order in the eighth and ninth innings to end the game.

The Mud Hens will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Indians in a quick two game series. Monday and Tuesday's contests will start at 7:05 p.m. and 11:05 a.m. respectively. After an off day on Wednesday, the Hens will square off against Columbus Thursday in the home opening double header at Fifth Third Field. Game one is scheduled for 4 p.m. with Game 2 starting 20-25 minutes after the conclusion of game one.

NOTES: Ramon Garcia and Zach Simons were solid out of the bullpen for the Mud Hens. ... Together they worked the game's final four innings, struck out four, and allowed just one run to cross the plate. ... 2B Scott Sizemore went 0-for-2 with two walks after being given the day off Sunday. ... Toledo was just 1-for-2 with runners in scoring position. ... Andy Dirks went 1-for-4 and leads the Hens with a .412 batting average.