Davis leads Hens to win in swan song

In his final game as a professional baseball player, Brad Davis made his mark.

The 30-year-old catcher, who officially retired after Wednesday's game, went 2-for-3 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI to help lead the Hens to a 5-3 victory over the Norfolk Tides Wednesday night at Fifth Third Field.

With his playing career in the rearview mirror, Davis will finish his education at Long Beach State while also serving as a volunteer coach for the school's baseball team.

After Norfolk scored three in the opening inning, Davis led the Hens' effort to tie the game back up in the second. With the score cut to 3-1, the catcher ripped a double to left field to bring two runs home.

Davis reached on a double again in the seventh, as a blooper fell harmlessly to the grass while three Tides failed in pursuit of the out. Davis would later score from third on a wild pitch.

Ben Guez also had a productive night for Toledo, batting 3-for-4 while driving two home, including the go-ahead run in the sixth.

It was literally a hit or miss outing for Toledo starter Blaine Hardy, who gave up three runs through five innings and was tagged with a no decision. The first inning served as a microcosm of Hardy's entire performance, as he gave up two home runs yet struck out the side. In all, Hardy fanned a career-high nine batters.

Luke Putkonen replaced Hardy in the sixth and earned the win while pitching three shutout innings and striking out four. Jose Ortega closed things out in the ninth for his fourth save of the season.

Toledo will host the Tides for game three of the four-game Thursday night. With the series tied at 1-1, LHP Kyle Lobstein (3-2, 3.65 ERA) will take the mound for the Hens.