Torkelson's double rallies Hens to victory

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Mud Hens began another home series with the Louisville Bats last night, after taking three out of five games, against the Columbus Clippers. Tonight, the Mud Hens looked to end their three-game losing streak. LHP Joey Wentz looked to have a similar outing as he did in Columbus and lead the Mud Hens to victory in his ninth start of the season. In his last outing, Wentz went 5 strong innings, striking out five batters, giving up no runs on three hits.

The Bats would strike first with a solo shot to left field, as Louisville took an early 1-0 lead. The Mud Hens would respond in the second. Brendon Davis would lead off with a walk, then steal his fifth bag of the year. John Valente would then single to left center, moving Davis to third. Ali Sanchez followed up with a sacrifice fly to drive in Davis. Sanchez’s 23rd RBI of the season tied the game at one apiece.

After the home run, Wentz would settle in as he tallied three straight shutout innings. During the process, he struck out two batters (back-to-back) in the fourth inning. Wentz would finish the night going five innings, striking out two batters. He allowed just one run on two hits and allowed three walks. RHP Luis Castillo would come out of the bullpen in the next inning, and obtain a 1-2-3 inning, striking out a batter in the process.

With the game still tied at one heading to the seventh inning, the Bats were looking to lead for the second time tonight. RHP Zac Houston would come out of the pen to replace RHP Luis Castillo. The Bats would tally a walk off Houston, followed by a single to center, putting the runners at the corners. The Bats would attempt a double steal; however, Ali Sanchez and Ryan Kreidler would obtain a huge out, catching the runner from third (2-6-2 putout). Houston would strike the next batter out but walk the next. With runners on first and second, LHP Miguel Del Pozo would replace Houston. He would walk the next batter, loading the bases. Then he retired the next batter, with a pop out to the third baseman, John Valente and the Bats left the bases full.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Mud Hens responded with two runs. Ryan Kreidler would reach base for the second time tonight from a lead off walk. Josh Lester then grounded out to second, as Kreidler moved to second base . Next batter, Spencer Torkelson hit his sixth double of the season to drive in Kreidler for his 14th RBI of the season. His RBI double gave the Hens their first lead of the game (2-1). With two away, Brendon Davis would drive in Torkelson, as the Hens led 3-1, heading into the eighth inning.

In the next inning, the Mud Hens tallied two more runs with an RBI single by Ali Sanchez, which drove in Andre Lipcius, who doubled earlier in the inning. Then, Daz Cameron would hit his 15th double, scoring John Valente who hit his second single of the ballgame during the inning. The Mud Hens would win tonight’s ballgame, with a score of 5-1, and nodded up the series at one game apiece. Along with tonight’s win, Josh Lester obtained his first triple of the season back in the first inning. His hitting streak is now up to five games.

“Wentz did a really nice job tonight. He almost fell in that first inning, but then was outstanding. There were missed opportunities on both sides, but we ended up getting the big hits…. I always tell my players to never be afraid to be aggressive on the bases, and to never second guess yourself.” Manager Lloyd McClendon said.

“I feel like I am at the point now, where I can do what I have to do. I can swing the bat a lot better… Most of all, I am happy to be here.” Ryan Kreidler said.

NOTABLE BATTERS:

Josh Lester: 2-5, 3B

Brendon Davis: 1-3, R, RBI, BB, K SB

Ryan Kreidler: 1-3, R, BB, SB

John Valente: 2-4, R

Ali Sanchez: 1-2, 2 RBI, BB

NOTABLE PITCHER:

LHP Joey Wentz: 5.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR

NEXT UP: The Mud Hens will be back at Fifth-Third Field tomorrow, looking to take their first series lead over the Louisville Bats. RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez will get the call for the Toledo Mud Hens. First pitch will begin at 6:35pm ET.