Three-run seventh inning sparks Mud Hens' win over Bats

Toledo outfielder Jason Krizan and catcher Grayson Greiner homered in the seventh inning as the Mud Hens topped Louisville 3-2 on Friday night at Louisville Slugger Field.

The win snaps a two-game losing skid for Toledo, which lost Wednesday and Thursday at Columbus.

Toledo's Jason Krizan, shown in a game earlier this season, belted a 2-run home run to help the Mud Hens win Friday.

Phillip Ervin provided the offense for the Bats with his two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning. That was the only blemish for the Mud Hens as A.J. Ladwig, Warwick Saupold, and Zac Houston limited Louisville to just six hits. 

The Mud Hens only managed six hits but got the two-run homer from Krizan and the solo shot from Greiner. 

What happened: Louisville scored first on Ervin’s home run. Toledo didn’t break through until the seventh inning when Krizan hit a two-run homer of his own with Dawel Lugo on base. Greiner followed with a solo home run to give the Mud Hens a 3-2 lead.

Ladwig started and lasted five innings for the Mud Hens, giving up five hits and two earned runs with one walk and two strikeouts.

Saupold pitched three innings of relief, giving up just one hit with two strikeouts to earn his first win of the season. Houston stuck out two Louisville batters in his flawless ninth inning for his second save of the season.

Louisville starter Justin Nicolino pitched five scoreless innings allowing just two hits. Cody Reed relieved Nicolino and gave up three runs in his four innings of work.

Game MVP: Krizan earns the honors with his two-run homer. He finished the night 1-for-4.

Make a note of it: Saupold fired three innings of scoreless relief in his first Mud Hens action since April 16 vs. Durham…Lugo was selected to take part in the All-Star Futures Game on July 15 at Nationals Park in Washington D.C…Friday’s game was the first time in eight games since being called up to the Mud Hens that outfielder Jacob Robson did not record a hit.

A look ahead: The Mud Hens will battle Louisville in the second game of their series. Right-hander Jacob Turner (2-2, 5.11 ERA) is set to start for Toledo, while Jose Lopez (3-7, 4.98 ERA) counters for the Bats.

Contact Brian Buckey at bbuckey@theblade.com, 419-724-6110, or on Twitter @BrianBuckey.