Huffman grand slam launches Hens over Knights

Toledo took the series finale on Sunday over the Knights in Charlotte 7-1, led in large part by the grand slam from 1B Chad Huffman. The Mud Hens improve their record to 9-12 on the season.

Thad Weber entered this game with a record of 2-1 and a 1.00 ERA. Toledo has the fourth-best team ERA in the league at 3.03. Weber tossed six scoreless innings on Sunday, earning his third win of the season for Toledo. He was able to pitch around a total of sixteen Charlotte batters, not allowing any of them to score.

As for the Knights side of the mound, SP Miguel Gonzelez was taken out of the game in the first inning after a line drive ball off the bat of Hens SS Dixon Machado connected with the side of his head.

Toledo began their scoring in the second inning when 3B Jordany Valdespin recorded his fourth RBI of the season, singling home RF Steven Moya as the Hens took a 1-0 lead.

Three innings later, Toledo busted the game wide open. The Mud Hens loaded the bases with one out in the fifth inning following a hit batter, a Machado single, and a walk issued to CF Tyler Collins. Knights pitcher Chris Beck walked McCann with no where to put him, and Valdepsin came in to score. Toledo roared ahead two batters later when Huffman hit a grand slam deep to left center field, giving Toledo the 6-0 lead over Charlotte.

The Hens added to their commanding lead in the top of the sixth inning when DH Cameron Maybin drove in 2B Argenis Diaz with a double down the left field line.

In relief for the visiting team, Dustin Molleken toed the rubber in the seventh, Bobby Parnell tossed the eighth, and Bruce Rondon saw action in the ninth, allowing a solo home run to Knights 1B Danny Hayes. Jose Valdez came in later in the ninth inning, reocrding the final out.

The Mud Hens travel to Gwinnett tomorrow for the first game of a three game set with the Braves at 7:05 p.m.