Lobstein's outing leads Hens to 5-2 win over Tides

A solid pitching effort lead Toledo to a 5-2 win over Norfolk Friday night at Fifth Third Field

The win, which earned the Mud Hens (56-59) a split of the four-game series, puts Toledo just 3.5 games behind first-place Columbus in the International League West division.

Toledo lead 2-0 before a three-run fifth inning helped widen the gap as the Hens took a 5-1 lead. Starter Kyle Lobstein earned his eighth win of the season allowing one run on 10 hits in seven innings of work. The left-hander struck out four and walked just one.

Melvin Mercedes and Ian Krol, who just joined the team Friday, combined to allowed three hits and one run over the final two innings. Mercedes struck out two batters and got a key double-play ball in the eighth inning to help escape a jam.

Hernan Perez lead all Toledo hitters with three hits from the top of the lineup, while Ben Guez, Tyler Collins and Wade Gaynor each had two hits. Norfolk (53-61) out-hit the Hens 13-10.

Guez help spark the three-run fifth inning by doubling to deep left-center, scoring two runs. Collins followed with a long single to right field, scoring Guez. Collins also had a triple.

Toledo travels to Indianapolis Monday night for the first of a four-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.