Clemens, Rodriguez back Shore's strong start

Toledo, Ohio – The Mud Hens claimed a 5-3 victory over the Indianapolis Indians tonight, extending their win streak to three straight. Starter RHP Logan Shore was dominant in this outing, recording a final line of 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, and 3 K. The longball fueled the Hens offense early with Kody Clemens and Aderlin Rodriguez both going yard. Ryan Kreidler reached base three times in a multi-hit effort, scoring a run in the process.

RHP Logan Shore got the staring nod for the Hens tonight, retiring the Indy lineup in order in the first inning. The Pittsburgh Pirates number 24 prospect RHP Miguel Yajure started opposite of Shore, also throwing a 1-2-3 first inning.

Shore continued to work efficiently in the top of the second, throwing his second 1-2-3 frame in as many innings. The Mud Hens took an early lead in the bottom of the second as Kody Clemens sent his twelfth home run of the season into the right field stands.

Now working with a 1-0 lead in the third, Shore notched a pair of strikeouts as he continued to stifle the Indianapolis bats. Ryan Kreidler led off the bottom of the inning with a walk but would later be erased on an inning ending strike ‘em out throw ‘em out double play.

Indianapolis recorded their first hit of the game in the top fourth, a double, as Shore worked an otherwise flawless inning. Riley Green led off the inning with a sharp single to right but Yajure dialed up another double play to end the scoring threat.

The Indians had a two out rally in the top of the fifth as a single came around to score an RBI triple, tying the game 1-1. Indy went to the bullpen in the bottom of the inning and the Hens capitalized. Kody Clemens singled to lead off the inning, coming around to score on an Aderlin Rodriguez broken bat two run blast. The blast broke a tie for first place for the Triple-A East lead in home runs and gave the Hens a 3-1 lead. Christin Stewart and Ryan Kreidler also joined in on the hit parade with singles to left but would ultimately remain stranded as a double play ended the threat.

Shore continued to mow down the Indians in the sixth, recording his fourth perfect inning of the night. Unfortunately the Hens were also retired in order, keeping the score 3-1.

RHP Drew Carlton entered the game in relief of Shore in the top of the seventh, facing the minimum three batters as a double play negated a one out walk. The Hens were set down in order for the second consecutive inning in the seventh as the game continued to be largely a pitchers game.

Carlton continued to work into the eighth, getting two quick outs before LHP Locke St. John took over, successfully getting the inning’s final out. Ryan Kreidler reached base for the third time in the game, leading off the bottom of the eighth with a single to right. Kreidler came around to score on a Yariel Gonzalez single as Indy error allowed Gonzalez to advance all the way to third. Paredes capitalized with the runner in scoring position, roping an RBI single to left.

Now leading 5-1 after tacking on the pair of insurance runs, St. John got into some hot water in the ninth, surrendering back to back one out walks. Sensing the danger RHP Wladimir Pinto was brought in to close out the game. Pinto would allow a single, loading the bases before a run came in to score on sacrifice fly. Pinto would limit the damage to just the one run as the Hens secured their third straight win.

What’s Next: The Hens take on the Indians again tomorrow in game four of a six game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.