Three-Run Blast Leads Mud Hens Over Bats

TOLEDO, OH – Brendon Davis hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning, leading the Toledo Mud Hens to a 3-2 win over the Louisville Bats in the series-opener at Fifth Third Field Tuesday night.

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Louisville opened the scoring in the top of the third inning. The Bats loaded the bases on two singles and a walk before Cristian Santana’s sacrifice fly brought home Lorenzo Cedrola for the game’s first run.

That was the only run Louisville would score against Toledo starter Elvin Rodriguez, who lasted five innings on the hill.

Bats’ starter Justin Nicolino held Toledo off the scoreboard until the bottom of the sixth, but allowed two of the first three batters in the inning to reach before being relieved by Phillip Diehl. Davis then hit his fourth home run of the season on the first pitch Diehl threw after entering.

The Mud Hens held that 3-1 lead until the top of the eighth inning. Alejo Lopez and Santana each walked to start the frame before Stuart Fairchild lined an RBI single into right field to cut the deficit to 3-2. Still with two runners aboard, Derek Law struck out the final two batters of the inning to hold the lead for Toledo. Law then tossed a 1-2-3 ninth inning to earn his 15th save of the season.

The Bats and Mud Hens will play game two of their six-game series Wednesday afternoon in Toledo. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. ET. Nick Lodolo (0-0, 3.00 ERA) will make a major league rehab start for Louisville, opposing Garrett Hill (1-2, 4.55 ERA).