After splitting a doubleheader with the Syracuse Chiefs last night, the Mud Hens were looking to gain the upper-hand in Tuesday night's affair in Toledo.Guided by an impressive performance from left-hander Josh Turley and some key hitting from Omar Infante, the Mud Hens were able to accomplish just that with
After splitting a doubleheader with the Syracuse Chiefs last night, the Mud Hens were looking to gain the upper-hand in Tuesday night's affair in Toledo.
Guided by an impressive performance from left-hander Josh Turley and some key hitting from Omar Infante, the Mud Hens were able to accomplish just that with a 3-2 extra-innings victory.
Josh Turley was pitching for the Mud Hens and had a nice bounce-back effort. Over six innings the left-hander allowed just one earned run while striking out two batters.
Jaron Long was his opponent for the Chiefs and lasted seven innings while allowing two earned runs and striking out four.
After each pitcher went 1-2-3 through the first inning, a two-out rally by the Chiefs got Syracuse on the board in the top of the second. Alejandro de Aza blooped a single into right field while Pedro Severino beat out an infield single. After two light hits the former Mud Hen Michael Almanzar singled up the middle to score De Aza and make it 1-0.
Toledo's offense was able to break through with their first hit in the bottom of the third inning. Matt den Dekker walked, while Juan Perez and Brendan Ryan singled to lead off the inning. Tyler Collins hit a sacrifice fly to tie it up at 1, but Long was able to settle in and limit the damage.
Turley was able to work around some trouble in the top of the fourth after two out walks to Almanzar and Bengie González, inducing a ground ball from Zach Collier to hold things at one. He was able to work out of a jam in the fifth too, as Neftali Soto and Clint Robinson each walked with one out and moved forward with a passed ball to put two runners in scoring position. A fly ball and a ground ball were enough to keep it 1-1.
The Mud Hens were able to jump out in front in the bottom of the sixth inning when Efren Navarro ripped a double off of the wall in centerfield to put a runner on second with one out. Dominic Ficociello jumped on the opportunity with a single that scored Navarro and gave the Mud Hens a 2-1 lead.
The top of the eighth rolled around and Zac Reininger entered out of the bullpen for the Mud Hens. A lead off double by De Aza got it started while a walk and a single loaded the bases with just one out. With his back against the wall, Reininger was able to induce the double play ball he needed to get out of the jam and preserve the lead.
Jeff Ferrell entered the game in the ninth inning with the Mud Hens' previous closers both in Detroit and on the disabled list. Three singles in a row knotted things up at 2-2, but Ferrell was able to keep the tie in hand with a strikeout and a flyout.
The Chiefs were able to load the bases once more in the top of the tenth through a fielder's choice and two walks from Mud Hens reliever Bryan Garcia. Once again however, Garcia got a strikeout and the game carried on into the bottom of the frame.
Brendan Ryan struck a single with one out and Collins followed up with one of his own to put runners on the corners with just one out. Omar Infante ripped a fly ball to left field that was caught, but Ryan was able to scamper home to win it.
Toledo returns to action on Wednesday to close out their series with Syracuse. Anthony Vasquez is scheduled to take the hill for the Mud Hens; first pitch is set for 7:05.
