Hague continues torrid stretch in 12-4 win
Let's get the campaign started early. Matt Hague for MVP!!!
The veteran slugger continued his monster roadtrip, doubling three more times and driving in five runs as the Bisons blew out the Mud Hens, 12-4, on Saturday night at Fifth Third Field.
All three of Hague's doubles on the night drove in runs. His second two-bagger snapped a 4-4 tie in the eighth inning while his two-run shot in a six-run ninth sealed the Herd's victory over the Hens.
Hague was 3-5 on Saturday night, continuing what has been a tremendous roadtrip for the veteran. Since the Herd left town on Monday, the slugger has hit .462 (12-26) with eight doubles and nine RBI in just six games. He now leads the International League with a .356 batting average, 57 hits, 15 doubles, 80 total bases and 31 RBI. He also ranks 3rd with his .428 on-base pct.
Those sure do sound like MVP numbers.
Hague and the rehabbing Jose Reyes combined to give the Bisons a four-spot in the third inning. Reyes singled home a pair to give the Bisons a 2-1 lead before Hague's first double of the game cashed in the Blue Jays' shortstop along with Melky Mesa.
The 4-1 lead lasted until the sixth inning when Toledo tied the game with three runs off the recently activated Jeff Francis. The southpaw returned to the Bisons staff after being designated for assignment by Toronto last Monday.
The 4-4 tie lasted until the eighth when Hague came through again. With Reyes aboard on his second hit of the game, Hague doubled down the right field line to give the Bisons a 5-4 lead. Luke Scott doubled to nearly the same spot to bring Hague around to score.
Buffalo broke the game open in the ninth by sending 11 men to the plate. Andy Burns singled home two in front of Hague's two-run double to center. Brad Glenn also doubled home a run in the six-run inning that brought the final tally to 12-4.
Miguel Castro started for the Bisons and gave the team his best effort of the season. The 20-year old allowed just an unearned run over five innings, striking out six and walking just one. Rob Rasmussen earned the win with two innings of scoreless relief, improving to 3-1 on the season.