Mud Hens rally in 9th to defeat Pawtucket
5/26/2012PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- The Toledo Mud Hens snapped their losing streak in dramatic fashion, defeating Pawtucket 5-4 on Friday night with a 3-run ninth inning.
The Mud Hens entered the ninth inning down 4-2 and looked destined for their fourth straight loss until Brad Eldred reached on an error to start the inning.
Ryan Strieby struck out, but Eric Patterson and Omir Santos hit back-to-back singles to load the bases with one out.
Audy Ciriaco followed by grounding into an RBI fielder's choice to make it 4-3.
Argenis Diaz then played the hero, ripping one to right for his first double of the year. The double scored two for the Hens as they took a decisive 5-4 lead.
Ciriaco also homered for the Hens, a two-run shot in the third to put the Hens on the board.
Top pitching prospect Jacob Turner started for the Hens, allowing four runs over 6 2/3 innings while walking three and striking out three.
Jose Ortega earned his third victory of the season with a scoreless eighth.
Chris Bootcheck earned his ninth save of the year after allowing one hit and striking out two in the ninth.
Alex Wilson took the loss for Pawtucket. He gave up three hits and three unearned runs in 1 1/3 innings.
The Hens will look to take the series advantage today at 6:05 p.m. in Pawtucket.
Casey Crosby is scheduled to pitch for the Hens.
NOTES: This was the first comeback victory on the road for the Hens this season... Ciriaco has had an RBI in three of his last five games... The Hens 8-9 hitters were responsible for all 5 RBIs.