Bats Two Steps Closer to Division Title, Defeat Hens 5-0

Toledo, OH - The Louisville Bats cruised to an easy win over the Toledo Mud Hens tonight as they move to six games away from clinching their division. Eric Eymann hit his first Triple-A home run and the Bats set a franchise record 14 shutouts in a season, as the Bats won 5-0 over the host Mud Hens. Due to injuries in Cincinnati and the call-ups of Darnell McDonald and Corky Miller, the Bats played with only nine position players tonight. There were 6,454 fans in attendance at tonight's game.

The Bats got off to a fast start on the Hens pitching with a couple of runs in the first. Louisville had their first five hitters get on base. Luis Bolivar and Chris Heisey singled, followed by an RBI double by recent call-up Todd Frazier. Juan Francisco then drove in two on a single to right, making it 3-0 Bats.

Frustration by Toledo showed when Mud Hens skipper Larry Parish was ejected in between the third and fourth innings by Home Plate umpire Justin Vogel due to arguing balls and strikes.

Both teams then settled in as the pitching kept the game close until the fifth, when Louisville added another run on a Wes Bankston double that scored Frazier.

In the top of the sixth, Eric Eymann hit his first career Triple-A home run to left, making it 5-0 Louisville.

Bats starter Ben Jukich (8-5, 4.32) was ridiculous going seven shutout innings, giving up only two hits, while walking three and striking out nine. Jukich got the win for the Bats.

Del Rosario closed the game to help finish the shutout, pitching the last two innings.

The Bats offense was led by Todd Frazier, a recent addition to the Bats from Double-A Carolina, who is also playing against his brother Jeff Frazier from Toledo. Frazier reached base four times going 2-for-3 with two doubles and two walks. Bankston also reached base four times going 2-for-2 with a double and two walks. Francisco added two RBI's, while Eymann added one on his homer.

Louisville (75-54) continues action Tuesday night at 6:30pm. at Toledo (67-63) against the host Mud Hens. Probable starters are RHP Matt Klinker (1-2, 3.22) for the Bats and LHP Nate Robertson (1-1, 2.92) for Toledo.