Mud Hens avoid sweep with win over Norfolk

6/10/2018
BY JOHN WAGNER
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
  • s4greiner-jpg

    Grayson Greiner homered to jump-start the Mud Hens offense in an 8-3 victory over Norfolk at Fifth Third Field Sunday.

    BLADE/LORI KING

    • The Toledo Mud Hens avoided a series sweep Sunday by claiming an 8-3 victory against Norfolk at Fifth Third Field. Toledo used a three-run fourth inning to take the lead for good, then cruised to the win with a four-run seventh.

    What happened: For the third consecutive game, the Mud Hens fell behind as Norfolk scored two runs in the second against starter Josh Turley. But the Hens got one run back in the third on a home run by Ronny Rodriguez, then took the lead in the fourth with an RBI infield single by Chad Huffman, a bases-loaded walk by Grayson Greiner, and a sacrifice fly by Pete Kozma.

    VIDEO: Mud Hens 8, Tides 3

    Norfolk crept a run closer in the seventh on three walks and an infield hit, but Toledo broke the game open in the bottom half with a rally that featured a home run by Greiner and a two-out, two-run triple by Mikie Mahtook.

    Game MVP: Mahtook had two hits in four at-bats, including a single in the fourth. He added a run scored.

    He said it: “Ronny’s homer gave some tempo to the game. ... Ronny’s homer really picked us up, because before that it felt like, ‘Here we go again.’” — Mud Hens manager Doug Mientkiewicz.

    Make a note of it: The start was delayed 50 minutes by rain. ... Dawel Lugo drew two walks, doubling his season total. The last time Lugo drew two walks in the same game was June 16, 2016, with Double-A Jackson in the Southern League. ... Toledo still has not been swept in a series this season and has not lost more than three games in a row. ... Four Mud Hens relievers combined to allow just two hits and one earned run.

    Comings and goings: The Detroit Tigers announced after their loss to Cleveland on Sunday pitcher Zac Reininger had been optioned to Toledo. Detroit did not announce what player would be promoted for its contest Tuesday against Minnesota.

    A look ahead: The Mud Hens will begin a four-game series at Indianapolis at 7:05 p.m. Monday. Right-hander Jacob Turner will make his first start for the Hens against Indians right-hander Alex McRae (2-5, 4.82 ERA).

    Contact John Wagner at: jwagner@theblade.com, 419-724-6481, or on Twitter @jwagnerblade.