Late-inning breakthrough helps Hens win in Charlotte

Toledo took advantage in their home opener with Charlotte -- the third worst team in the International League -- beating them 5-3 with the help of a late-inning breakthrough.

Despite the game-deciding action taking place in extras, it is important to note the effort of Toledo starter Anthony Vasquez. The lefty spun 6.1 innings of three-run ball as he continues to try to lower his earned run average below 4.00 for the first time this season. Vasquez, not typically a strikeout pitcher, pitched to his strengths and let the Knights put the ball in play and relied on his defense.
Vasquez recorded an effortless first four innings, but Charlotte got to him the third time through the lineup. His first hiccup came in the sixth when back-to-back doubles from Jason Bourgeois and Jacob May cut the then-deficit to 3-1.
With one out in the seventh, Charlotte notched another two runs. Vasquez issued a one-out walk to D.J. Peterson and then gave up a single to Jake Peter that resulted in his exiting from the game. Manager Mike Rojas called upon Logan Kensing, who came in and sacrificed a run in order to pick up the second out. With a runner on third now, though, Roberto Peña singled to bring in Vasquez's second stranded runner.  
Toledo's three runs came all thanks to Jeimer Candelario, whose three-run bomb in the top of the first would end up being enough to bring Toledo to victory. The Hens wasted no time getting to Knights ace Carson Fulmer. To begin the game, Jim Adduci singled and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by JaCoby Jones. Fulmer walked Efren Navarro before serving up a 1-1 pitch that Candelario smashed to right for a quick three runs.
Candelario's homer - his third of the season - came in just his 12th game with the Hens. He is batting .241 and has already driven in eight runs.
Despite Charlotte's three-run comeback, Toledo went on the offensive again in the 10th to take the lead for good. The first frame of extras began with a quick two singles by Adduci and Jones. A groundout by Navarro moved the two up, and, one out later, Adduci scampered home on a wild pitch to score the go-ahead run. Tyler Collins, who was at the plate during the wild pitch, proceeded to single in Jones to make it 5-3 and help the Hens capture the series-opener.
Toledo looks to continue their strong month of August Wednesday night with another 7:05 p.m. game in Charlotte.