A frustrating road trip for the Louisville Bats finally came to a close Thursday night to the tune of an 8-1 loss to the Toledo Mud Hens. It was the Bats’ third straight loss and dropped them to 2-6 on the season—tying their worst start to a season since becoming affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds in 2000.
Toledo jumped on Louisville early, putting up a five spot in the second inning. After a two-run home run by Brad Eldred, Bats starter Sean Gallagher (0-2) gave up a double to Matt Young and walked the next two batters to load the bases. A wild pitch scored Matt Young then Omir Santos hit a sacrifice fly to score Audy Ciriaco, making it 4-0. The scoring was capped by a run scoring double from Quinten Berry.
Louisville had a chance to get back into the game in the top of the second after Kristopher Negron and Daryl Jones both walked to lead off the inning. Negron and Jones executed a double steal flawlessly putting runners at second and third with no outs. It would all be for not as Chris Valaika grounded out, scoring Negron, Todd Frazier lined out and Danny Dorn struck out.
Toledo would add three more runs in the fifth inning off of Bats reliever Ron Mahay.
Louisville ended the game 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, bringing their total for the year to an abysmal 7-for-62. The Bats’ team batting average fell to .192—good for last in the International League.
The Bats return home Friday night for their Home Opener. First pitch is set for 7:05. Budweiser Game Time Happy Hour will be from 5:30-7:00. For tickets, call (502) 212-2287.
