Benches Clear, Bats Knock Out Hens 4-1
Toledo was the first team to threaten loading the bases with no outs. Jeff Frazier, Jeff Larish, and Brent Clevlen each drew walks mounting a rally for the Hens. Brent Dlugach then grounded into a double play to the pitcher. Owings took the sharp grounder and went home to record the first out and then Corky Miller went to first to retire Dlugach. Dusty Ryan then flew out to center, ending the threat.
In the bottom of the fourth inning the Bats got on the board. Following two quick outs, Wes Bankston drove his 15th home run of the season over the wall in left-center, giving the Bats a 1-0 lead.
The Bats played added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth. Juan Francisco got his first career Triple-A hit, smashing a double off the wall in center. Chris Heisey then drew a walk putting runners at first and second with one out. Following a fly out by Bankston, Danny Dorn lined a double down the line in right scoring both Francisco and Heisey and pushing the Bats lead to 3-0.
After being shut out for fifteen straight innings by Louisville pitching the Hens finally dented the scoreboard in the top of the seventh inning. Dlugach led off with a double and scored on Ryan's single to left. A single by Scott Sizemore put the tying runs on base but Ramon Ramirez forced Don Kelly to hit into a double play.
Tensions began to rise in the bottom of the eight inning. With the Bats already leading 3-1 Darnell McDonald was hit in the elbow leading off the inning. He then stole second during Francisco's at-bat and took out Dlugach with a hard slide. The two exchanged a few words but play continued. Francisco then singled home McDonald for his first Triple-A RBI and as McDonald was crossing the plate something was said between the catcher Ryan and McDonald. The two got into each other's face and they were seperated as both dugouts emptied but no punches were thrown. With order restored, the Bats loaded the bases with one out but Chris Valaika struck out and Corky Miller grounded out to short ending the threat.
Major League rehabbing Micah Owings (1-0, 0.87) earned the win for the Bats. He held the Hens scoreless for five-and-a-third innings on three hits, five walks, and struck out three. Logan Ondrusek worked the ninth inning earning his fifth save in six chances.
Fellow rehabber Nate Robertson started for the Hens and went three innings. Jeremy Bonderman (1-3, 4.85) followed him and was tabbed with the loss giving up Bankston's home run in one inning of work and he struck out one.
The Hens and Bats will wrap up their three-game set with Louisville looking to sweep the series. On the mound for the Bats will be Sam LeCure (9-5, 4.08) and Nate Bump (5-0, 2.40) will be on the hill for the Hens.