Strieby's slam sends Hens to win

5/8/2012

CHARLOTTE -- The Toledo Mud Hens started their road trip in "grand" fashion Monday night as Fu-Te Ni shut down Charlotte from the mound and Ryan Strieby's grand slam in the fifth inning helped lead Toledo to a 6-1 win over Charlotte.

The bats were quiet for both teams until Audy Ciriaco led off the fifth inning with his fourth homer of the season.

Three straight Hens' singles loaded the bases for Justin Henry, who singled in another run to make it 2-0.

Strieby followed up by taking a 1-2 pitch deep to left for a grand slam.

Ni threw five innings of shutout ball in his first start since going on the disabled list in April.

Ni allowed four hits and four walks while striking out three.

The lone Knights run came off a Dan Johnson double given up by Rob Waite in the bottom of the seventh.

The Hens compiled 10 hits, including three home runs and an Eric Patterson double while Quintin Berry extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a single.

With the win, the Hens have won nine straight games on the road after losing their first two road games of the season.

The Hens continue their series against Charlotte at 7:15 p.m. today. Casey Crosby is set to start for the Hens. He is 3-2 with a 4.56 ERA this season.