Bats Let Up Series Clinching Loss to Mud Hens 9-4

The Louisville Bats continue to struggle at the plate against the Toledo Mud Hens, as after a three-run first inning, they scored only one run the rest of the day in a 9-4 loss at Fifth Third Field on Saturday night.

The Bats started hot, plating three runs to start the game off. Those runs came by way of singles by Will Benson that scored two, and Michael Toglia, who scratched one more across.

Toledo responded right by tying the game up in the bottom of the first, 3-3. MLB rehabber Javier Baez notched an RBI double to put the Mud Hens on the board, and Gage Workman notched a triple to score another run. Corey Julks rounded out the scoring with an RBI single.

Amid the home half of the first, a weird sequence involving a dispute over a diving catch call being overturned later developed into on-field controversy. With a runner on first, the center fielder Benson threw the ball to second after making a sliding trap play. Ivan Johnson stepped on the base to get the out, except the umpires awarded the base to Julks anyway. Pat Kelly was understandably furious, which eventually led to his ejection from the game.

After a hectic first, Toledo starter Sawyer Gipson-Long and Louisville’s Jose Acuna (L, 1-2) posted quick one-two-three second innings.

The Bats threatened in the third with the bases loaded, and Gipson-Long’s day was done from there, as he appeared to be in some discomfort on the mound. While giving up three runs, his 2.2 innings of work led to four hits and three walks with six strikeouts. Ultimately, that decision was the right one, as Toledo escaped without breaking the tie.

One inning later, the Mud Hens took control of the lead with a two-run homer hit by Max Clark, giving Toledo a 5-3 advantage. A double hit by Baez led to Acuna being relieved, where the righty posted 3.2 innings, allowing five runs on six hits and striking out two.

Louisville wasted no time in cutting into the lead, where some small ball came into play, leading to Benson scoring to make it a 5-4 ballgame.

The Hens squandered any chance of a comeback in the fifth, however, where Carlos Perez launched a grand slam after Sam Benschoter issued three walks to break the game wide open and give Toledo a 9-4 lead.

From there, pitching dominated both sides, as no real scoring opportunities presented themselves. Bats pitcher Luis Mey pitched a scoreless inning, and Benschoter did not let up a run outside of the grand slam in 2.1 innings. On the opposite side, Hens pitchers Luke Taggart (W, 2-0) and Emmanuel De Jesus both held scoreless lines for Toledo.

In the end, the grand slam proved decisive, and the Bats fell 9-4, giving the Mud Hens the series-clinching win. While offense was not a bright spot for Louisville, Will Benson and Reds rehabbing designated hitter Matt McClain had multi-hit performances.

The Bats (48-51) continue their series with the Saints (49-51) Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. EST on Sunday at Fifth Third Field. Nick Curran will be on the call on Sports Talk 790.