Gerber, Robson shine in loss to Clippers

COLUMBUS, Ohio- The Toledo Mud Hens scored early but were defeated by the Columbus Clippers 6-5 Thursday night at Huntington Park.

Mike Gerber blasted a three-run shot in the first inning to give the Mud Hens (47-38) an early lead. Jacob Robson added with two hits and three runs scored to his hot start in Toledo. Dawel Lugo added two more RBI to his season total in the loss to the Clippers (45-40).
The Mud Hens got on the board early as Gerber lifted a three-run home run over the left field fence for his ninth of the campaign. Robson led off the game reaching first base on an error. Jason Krizan then drew a one out walk, which was followed by the Gerber home run. Herlis Rodriguez hit a two out single in his first game as a Hen. Jarrod Saltalamacchia drew a walk, but the two runners were stranded. In the bottom half of the inning, Yandy Díaz was hit by a pitch and scored on a Brandon Barnes double. After the first inning, Toledo held a 3-1 advantage.
In the second inning, Robson hit a one out double off the top of the right field wall. Lugo then hit a single to left field that scored Robson and increased the Hens lead to 4-1. Columbus answered in the bottom half of the inning with three hits in a row to plate Melky Cabrera. Todd Hankins then hit a sacrifice fly to right field that scored Eric Haase and closed the Toledo margin to 4-3.
Columbus scored again in the bottom of the sixth inning as Haase crossed home plate. Toledo starter Tyler Alexander had his night come to an end delivering six innings allowing four earned runs on seven hits while striking out three and walking two.
Drew VerHagen came on to pitch in place of Alexander and sent the side down in order in the seventh inning. In the eighth inning, the Clippers used three hits to score two runs and take a 6-4 advantage into the ninth inning. VerHagen allowed two earned runs on three hits while fanning five in two innings of work.
The Hens rallied to score a run in the top of the ninth as Robson sent a double off the left field wall, moved to third on a wild pitch and was brought in by Lugo courtesy of a ground out. Krizan then roped a double to center but was stranded at second to end the game.
What's Next:
The Mud Hens will stay on the road for a three-game stint at Louisville for the final series before the All-Star Break. First pitch from Louisville Slugger Field is set for 7:00 p.m.
#RoadToDetroit Report (rankings according to MLB.com 2018 Prospect Watch):
5. OF Christin Stewart: DNP (DL)
11. OF Mike Gerber: 1-for-4, home run, 3 RBI
12. IF Dawel Lugo: 1-for-5, 2 RBI
15. RHP Grayson Long: DNP (DL)
16. RHP Bryan Garcia: DNP (DL)
18. LHP Tyler Alexander: DNP
26. OF Jacob Robson: 2-for-5, 2 doubles, 3 runs scored
28. IF Kody Eaves: 0-for-4
Hens Notes:
• Jacob Robson is 12-for-26 since joining the Mud Hens and has recorded four doubles, three home runs and eight RBI.
• Mike Gerber hit his ninth home run of the season and had his fifth multi-RBI game.
• Even with tonight's loss, the Hens remain atop the West Division by 1.5 games.
• Toledo will make the short trip to play the Louisville Bats for three games and then have three days off for the All-Star break in Columbus.