Barker, Bats Slam Wings 5-2
The Louisville Bats got the scoring started in the top of the third inning. Chris Valaika led off with a double into left field and moved to third on Luis Bolivar's single. Chris Denove then hit a fly ball into right that was dropped by David Winfree allowing Valaika to score. With one out, Chris Dickerson drew a walk to load the bases and the big blow of the inning was Kevin Barker's second grand slam home run of the season to put the Bats up 5-0. Dickerson played in his first game with the Bats on the season. He is rehabbing an injured shoulder and played five innings tonight going 1-for-1 at the plate with two walks and a stolen base.
Rochester responded with two runs in the bottom of the third. Steven Tolleson reached on a bunt base hit and came around to score on Trevor Plouffe's triple that got past a sliding Drew Stubbs in center. Jason Pridie then sent a fly ball into center field that was deep enough to bring home Plouffe.
Left-hander Matt Maloney (8-8, 2.71) took the mound looking to even his record on the season at eight games up and eight games down. He earned the win going six and two-thirds innings giving up two runs, on five hits, three walks and struck out nine.
Kevin Mulvey (4-7, 4.15) took the loss for the Wings. He went seven innings, giving up five runs, one earned, on four hits, three walks, and struck out five.
The bullpen for Louisville was stellar. Pedro Viola and Jeff Kennard combined to work a scoreless inning and youngster Logan Ondrusek worked the final inning and a third to pick up his third save in as many chances.
The Bats and Red Wings will play game two of their four game series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. On the mound for Louisville will be lefty Ben Jukich (7-4, 4.26) and righty Jeff Manship (3-2, 3.83) will get the ball for Rochester.