It was a quick first inning for both the Clippers and Hens, as Toledo RHP Drew Hutchison quickly set down Columbus in order. Former Hen and current Clipper Zack Godley would do the same in the bottom of the first.
Hutchison would have a more stressful second inning as the first two batters reached on a walk and fielding error. An RBI single later in the inning by the Clippers put the Hens in an early 1-0 hole as Columbus continued to threaten. However, Hutchison was able to dial up a clutch double play to end the threat and limit the damage to just the one run. In the bottom half of the inning, the Hens would be retired in order for the second time in a row.
Hutchison bounced back in the third inning, the only baserunner coming via a bunt single. Aderlin Rodriguez led off the inning with a splash, sending a line drive over the left field wall for a home run. Now tied 1-1, Jacob Robson bunted for a base hit but that would be it for the Hens as Godley ended the inning.
Hutchison worked his away around a leadoff single in the top of the fourth en route to another scoreless inning. The Hens kept the basepaths busy in the bottom of the inning after breaking into the Clippers bullpen. Isaac Paredes reached on a single and Renato Nunez reached on a hit by pitch early in the frame. Christin Stewart then continued his hot streak with an RBI double down the right field line, scoring Paredes. Aderlin Rodriguez also grabbed his second RBI of the night on a groundout that scored Nunez.
Hutchison struck out the side in the top of the fifth as the veteran right hander had settled into a groove. The Toledo offense was limited to a two out walk to Derek Hill in the bottom of the fifth as the score remained 3-1 in favor of Toledo.
It was a dicey sixth inning for Hutchison, loading the bases on a hit by pitch, single, and walk. Hutch navigated the threat like a pro, getting a softly hit ground ball to end the inning. Renato Nunez would be the only Hen to reach base in the bottom of the sixth, recording single to third.
RHP Henry Martinez took over for Hutchison in the top of the seventh, closing the book on Hutchison’s quality start. Martinez would allow a walk but nothing more in the seventh. Yariel Gonzalez led off the bottom of the inning with a sneak peak of the tomorrow’s fireworks show, sending a solo shot to center field. Leading 4-1, Derek Hill singled on a line drive to center field but would be left on base before he could come in to score.
Martinez returned to pitch the eighth for the Hens giving up back to back doubles, with a lone run scoring as a result. Henry was then able to settle in and end the frame before the Clippers could chip away at the now 4-2 Hens lead. Isaac Paredes led off the bottom of the inning a long double to left field that was mere feet short being the third homer of the game. An intentional walk to Christin Stewart put two on with one out for the Hens. Unfortunately, the Hens would hit into an inning ending double play as the game remained 4-2 in favor of Toledo.
LHP Ian Krol entered the game for the Hens in the top of the ninth, looking to earn his fourth save of the season. Krol would do it style, striking out all four batters he faced in the ninth, the forth out becoming necessary after a strike three pitch got away and allowed a Clipper to reach.
What’s Next: The Mud Hens celebrate the 4th of July tomorrow with the conclusion of a six game series with the Clippers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.