The long ball lifts the Mud Hens to victory

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Toledo Mud Hens defeated the Columbus Clippers by a score of 3-2 in front of a sellout crowd at Fifth Third Field.

Two homeruns led the Mud Hens to victory in tonight's game. This series is instrumental in keeping playoff hopes alive for Toledo, squaring off against one of the two teams tied for first in the IL West entering the game.
The Clippers got to Toledo starter Warwick Saupold early on, striking for two runs in the second inning. Rob Brantly hit a weak grounder with two outs and the bases loaded that squeaked just outside for Saupold's reach. Edwin Espinal picked the ball up and threw it underhand to a pitcher who slipped on the bag, bringing in a pair of runs. Saupold would secure the win after striking out seven across seven innings.
An inning later, the Mud Hens offense answered back courtesy of Pete Kozma. Down by a pair, Kozma launched his first homer of the year of the left field fence to cut the deficit in half. In the Clippers next turn at the plate, they nearly extended their lead. MLB rehabber JaCoby Jones threw out the would be insurance run with two outs.
That out proved to be huge, as Christin Stewart demolished a ball into the right field stands for his 21st homer of the year. That hit drove in Chad Huffman and gave the Mud Hens the lead in the fourth inning.
Zac Houston was called upon in the eighth inning to protect the one run lead. He did just that by setting the Clippers down in order, including striking out Adam Rosales and Brandon Barnes in his first inning of work.
The score remained 3-2 heading into the ninth inning as Houston was searching for his seventh save of the season. Bobby Bradley singled to open the frame, however Drew Maggi was thrown out by Kade Scivicque as the pinch runner to complete a strike 'em out/throw 'em out play. A flyout to right secured the Mud Hen win.
What's Next:
The Mud Hens will be playing game two of this final four-game series at Fifth Third Field against the Columbus Clippers on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
#RoadToDetroit Report (rankings according to MLB.com 2018 Prospect Watch): 
6. OF Christin Stewart: 1-for-2, homerun, 2 RBI, run, HBP
8. OF Daz Cameron: 0-for-3
9. RHP Kyle Funkhouser: DNP (DL)
14. IF Dawel Lugo: 1-for-4, single
16. OF Jacob Robson: DNP
20. RHP Bryan Garcia: DNP (DL)
21. LHP Matt Hall: DNP
22. LHP Tyler Alexander: DNP
Hens Notes:
• With the win tonight, the Mud Hens need to win only one of their next three games to secure a minimum .500 record at Fifth Third Field this season.
• Toledo is now 21-44 when their opponent scores first in the game, and 20-19 in one run games.
• Tonight marks the 20th sellout of 2018, and the 483rd sellout in Fifth Third Field history.
• The Detroit Tigers on Thursday optioned RHP Zac Reininger to the Mud Hens. Prior to Friday's game, Detroit activated RHP Michael Fulmer from the 10-day disabled list.