The Louisville Bats, for the moment, have made a right turn away from becoming the worst in franchise history. The Bats snapped a six game losing streak Sunday night with a 4-3 win over the Toledo Mud Hens. The loss also snapped an 11-game road losing streak. 9,293 were in attendance at Fifth Third Field for the final meeting of the 2012 season for the two division rivals.
Two-run homers from Didi Gregorius in the first and Denis Phipps in the fourth backed a stellar start from Tim Gustafson as the Bats held on for the win.
Gustafson (5-5), in his best start with the Bats since June 16, went 6-2/3 innings giving up a run on three hits while walking two and striking out four.
The lone run Gustafson gave up was on a solo home run by former Bat Danny Dorn in the second.
Louisville nearly coughed up the game late. The Bats failed to have a base runner in the final three innings against Toledo relievers Daniel Schlereth, Luis Marte, and Zack Miner.
Bats relievers Nick Christiani and Jordan Smith both gave up a run in their innings or work, both skating out of trouble. Smith, despite giving up an RBI single to John Lindsey in the ninth, picked up his 13th save of the season.
The Bats (51-86) will need to win at least two of their remaining seven games to avoid the dubious distinction of finishing with the worst record in franchise history.
After an off day Monday, the Bats return home for the beginning of split five game series with the Columbus Clippers. First pitch for Tuesday’s game is set for 7:05 p.m.
