Bats fall to Mud Hens, 13-0

LOUISVILLE, Ky - The Louisville Bats (28-50) fell to the Toledo Mud Hens (34-43) in the first game of a two-game series Wednesday night at Louisville Slugger Field, by a score of 13-0. Bats starter Brad Markey (1-3, 9.97) took the loss, as Kyle Funkhouser (1-3, 6.46) picked up the win. Over 12,000 fans were in attendance, the second highest total this season at Louisville Slugger Field. It was the first time this season the Bats have been shut out at home.

The Toledo offense struck early and often, scoring five runs in the second inning, three runs in the fourth and fifth, as well as one in the sixth. Daz Cameron led the Hens in hits with four, as Pete Kozma led them in RBIs with five. Dawel Lugo and Jake Rogers each supplied two RBIs for the Hens. Markey, looking to throw his third quality start with the Bats, pitched 3.1 innings, giving up 11 hits, while allowing eight runs. 
Funkhouser, the former University of Louisville standout had an impressive outing for Toledo. Funkhouser tossed 6.0 scoreless innings giving up three hits and a walk. Scott Schebler, Narciso Crook, and Aristides Aquino each tallied hits off Funkhouser, Aquino's being a double, his ninth of the season. 
Coming out of the bullpen, Bats reliever Sal Romano gave Louisville solid innings. Romano gave up just one run over 3.0 innings pitched. The Bats offense would look to rally in the bottom of the ninth, with Josh VanMeter leading off with a double. VanMeter would be stranded on second as Mud Hens closer Matt Hall retired the next three Louisville batters in order.
The Bats look to even up the two-game series with the Mud Hens as they face off tomorrow night at 7:00 pm at Louisville Slugger Field. Louisville left-hander Eric Stout (0-1, 8.10) will take the mound facing off against Toledo righty Drew VerHagen (3-2, 2.38).