It was feast or famine for the Louisville Bats Monday night. The Bats got a lot of feast in scoring nine runs on 12 hits en route to a 9-3 win over the Toledo Mud Hens. However, there was plenty of famine for Louisville as they struck out 15 times against Toledo pitching.
Louisville started their offensive production right out of the gates, getting a two-run double from Todd Frazier in the first inning. Denis Phipps then sent a two-run bomb to left field and out of the stadium in the third that made it 4-0.
The Bats tacked on two more in the fifth with Daryl Jones scoring on a Phipps fielder’s choice and Neftali Soto following with a run scoring single to make it 6-0. Louisville would again score two more two innings later on RBI singles by Corky Miller and Kristopher Negron. The final Bats run came in the eighth when Chris Valaika scored on a fielding error by Hens second baseman Erik Patterson.
The Mud Hens scored one in the fourth and two in the ninth.
As productive of a night as it was for the Bats, it was dampened by the 15 strikeouts. That brings Louisville’s team strikeout total to 55 in just five games. Only the Gwinnett Braves have more.
Bats starter Andrew Brackman, who was making his Louisville debut, was impressive going six strong innings and giving up just one run on two hits while walking one and striking out four.
Scott Carroll, who relieved Brackman, went two strong innings giving up just one hit and striking out two. J.J. Hoover pitched the ninth for the Bats and gave up two runs on two hits while striking out two.
Louisville (2-3) and Toledo (1-4) will be back in action again Tuesday at Fifth Third Field. The Bats will send Opening Night starter Jeff Francis to the hill. He will be opposed by Thad Weber. First pitch is set for 6:30.
Photo Credit: Max Sharp
