Mud Hens fall to start stretch of road games

8/23/2013
BLADE STAFF

LOUISVILLE — The Mud Hens managed just six hits in a 5-2 loss to Louisville on Thursday.

Toledo scored in the second off Bats starter Daniel Corcino when Jordan Lennerton walked, moved to second on a single by Ben Guez, and scored on a two-out single by Hernan Perez.

The Bats tied the game in the third when Nevin Ashley drew a walk from Hens starter Jair Jurrjens, stole second, took third on a groundout, and came home on a wild pitch.

Former Mud Hen Mike Hessman gave Louisville the lead when he opened the fifth with a home run off the left-field foul pole, his 23rd homer this season.

The Bats used “small ball” to score a run in the sixth. Billy Hamilton opened the frame with a bunt single, then collected his International League-leading 73rd stolen base this season. Hamilton moved to third on a bunt single by Derrick Robinson, and Hamilton came home when Neftali Soto hit into a double play.

Louisville broke the game open with a pair of runs in the eighth, and Hamilton again got the rally started. He beat out a bunt single off Hens reliever Luke Putkonen with one one, then took second of a flyout.

Soto doubled in Hamilton, and Henry Rodriguez singled up the middle to plate Soto.

Ronny Paulino closed the scoring with a home run in the ninth, his second this season and first in six games with Toledo.

NOTES: Alex Avila joined the Mud Hens on a rehab assignment and caught three innings while making three plate appearances. Avila flew out in the first inning, drew a walk in the second and struck out in the fourth.