Hardy sharp, leads Mud Hens to win

Pitcher throws 6 scoreless innings against Buffalo

7/28/2013

Blaine Hardy threw six scoreless innings and got plenty of early support in the Mud Hens' 6-0 victory over the Buffalo Bisons today at Fifth Third Field.

Hardy held the visitors to four hits in his third straight strong start since being shifted from a relief role while the Hens' offense rocked big-league veteran J.A. Happ, who was making his second rehab assignment since being struck in the head by a line drive while pitching for Toronto on May 7.

Jordan Lennerton hit a two-run homer in the first inning, and the Hens continued to pile on. Happ allowed six runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings.

The Hens, meanwhile, benefited from a more successful rehab assignment. Tigers reliever Darin Downs (rotator cuff tendinitis) struck out a pair in a perfect seventh inning.