Strieby home run in first game back can't overcome Syracuse pitching

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The Toledo Mud Hens six-game winning streak came to an end against the Syracuse Chiefs Saturday night at Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse, N.Y. The Hens fell 3-2 and could only muster four hits.

Syracuse starter J.D. Martin was dominant in his eight innings of work, striking out five and walking none. He gave up just three hits and his two runs were unearned.

Pete Orr led things off with a home run in the bottom of the first to give Syracuse a quick 1-0 lead. Toledo had one hit through the first five and two thirds, before they got the first break of the game. With two outs in the top of the sixth, Carlos Gillen reached base safely on an error by Syracuse second baseman Eric Bruntlett. Ryan Strieby, playing his first game since April 21, followed with a two-run home run to put the Hens in front 2-1.

The Chiefs came right back in the bottom of the inning with a run to even things at two apiece. Kevin Mench led off reaching base on a throwing error by third baseman Will Rhymes. Josh Whitesell followed with an infield single. The Hens were able to get one out as Chase Lambin hit a ground ball to first, but they could not get the lead runner, Mench, who reached third base. With runners on the corners and one out, Toledo starter Alfredo Figaro walked Chris Duncan to load the bases for Carlos Maldonado. Unable to locate his pitches, Figaro walked a run in to tie the game at two. He came back, though, to strike out Bruntlett and Pedro Lopez to end the inning.

Orr put the Chiefs in front for good with his second home run of the game, again in lead off fashion, this time to begin the bottom of the seventh.

It looked like Toledo might continue its magic in the ninth inning. The Hens got runners on second and third with two outs, but Deik Scram struck out to end the game.

Toledo and Syracuse continue their series Sunday at 5:00 p.m.Upcoming Game Tickets | Box Score

Game Notes

• Pete Orr is the second player to hit a leadoff HR against the Mud Hens this season.
• Carlos Guillen began his rehab and got the start at second base.
• Ryan Strieby played in his first game since April 21 and hit his second HR of the season.