Bats take game three, go to break with a win

--By Jared Anderson
--Photos by Jared Anderson

In the final game of their three-game series, the Louisville Bats (35-50) soared to a win over the Toledo Mud Hens (49-39), 6-1.
 
The second inning was hot for the Bats.  Nick Longhi doubled to right center and advanced to third on a single by Stuart Turner.  Blake Trahan singled to right field to drive a run in.  After Hernan Iribarren walked to load the bases Phillip Ervin lined a single to center field to plate two more runs.
 
Toledo got on the board in the top of the third inning.  Kody Eaves raced around the bases to third on a deep fly ball to right center.  Brandon Dixon misplayed a ground ball the next batter to score Eaves.
 
Gabriel Guerrero hit has sixth home run of the season in the bottom of the third inning, adding to the already large number of dents on the right field terrace.
 
In the bottom of the eighth, Dixon led off with a double down the left field line.  He was followed by Guerrero, who singled to put runners on the corners.  Josh VanMeter’s single to right field extended the lead.  Stuart Turner sent a hard hit ball to left field to push the lead further.
 
Keury Mella (1-0) had his Bats season debut today.  His most recent appearance was the season finale in September 2016.  After throwing seven straight balls, the 6’2 righty threw five innings.  He gave up four hits and two walks while striking out four.  The run was unearned.  Mella threw 84 pitches (55 strikes).
 
Homer Bailey entered the game to start the sixth inning.  The righty threw two innings with one hit, two walks, and one strikeout.  Bailey tossed 25 strikes on 42 pitches.
 
Damingo Tapia took the mound in the top of the eighth inning.  He walked one and faced four batters.  His successor, Jimmy Herget, successfully closed out the game to preserve the win.  It was not a save situation.

The Bats posted six runs on 15 hits while holding Toledo to just five hits.

Louisville returns to action on Thursday night when Columbus comes to visit for a four-game series.

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