Homers lead Hens 6-4 over Norfolk

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens used the long ball to beat the Norfolk Tides 6-4 on Friday night at Fifth Third Field.

The Tides got on the board in the top of the first inning. Matt Angle drew a leadoff walk, stole second, and went to third as Jeff Kunkel's throw went into center field. Robert Andino followed with an RBI groundout to make it a 1-0 game.

The Hens responded in the bottom of the inning with three runs of their own off Chris George (2-2). Brent Dlugach hit a one-out single and was forced out on a fielder's choice off the bat of Jeff Frazier. After Frazier stole second base, Ryan Strieby walked and Jeff Larish launched a three-run home run to right field to give the Hens a 3-1 lead.

A Blake Davis RBI groundout scored Norfolk's second run of the game in the top of the second, but the Tides never caught up with the Hens.

With two outs in the bottom of the second, Jeff Kunkel singled and scored on Scott Sizemore's third home run since being optioned to Toledo last month.

Norfolk put two on with one out in the top of the fourth, but Ruddy Lugo (2-3) got Davis to ground into an inning-ending double play to end the threat.

Toledo tacked on another run in the bottom of the fourth on a double by Kunkel, a sacrifice by Sizemore, and a Dlugach single. Frazier and Larish walked to load the bases, but Casper Wells's line drive found Josh Bell's glove to end the inning.

Lugo walked two in the top of the fifth before Michael Aubrey delivered a two-run double to cut the Mud Hen lead to 6-4.

Josh Rainwater came out of the bullpen to throw three scoreless innings, and Jay Sborz pitched around a two-out error in the ninth to earn the save.

Lugo picked up the win, and George took the loss for Norfolk.

The Mud Hens improve to 38-30, while the Tides fall to 30-39.

The Hens continue their series with Norfolk on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Click for Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score | Video Highlights

Game Notes

• Attendance: 10,300
• Jeff Larish hit a home run in his third consecutive game.
• Jeff Kunkel collected three hits. Entering the game, he had been 0 for his last 12.