Mud Hens win behind Blaine Hardy’s spot start

Toledo Mud Hens 4, Pawtucket Red Sox 3 (box)

Blaine Hardy got his first start in a long time, filling in for Chad Bell. Hardy did great, spinning 3 ¹⁄₃ innings of shutout ball with five strikeouts. He was backed by solid relief in the form of Kevin Comer, Zac Reininger—who bounced back after a few shaky outings—and Johnny Barbato. Meanwhile, the Mud Hens built up a 4-1 lead on the back of solo shots from Chad Huffman and Edwin Espinal. Louis Coleman almost blew it, allowing two runs in the ninth, but was able to hang on for the victory.

Huffman: 2-3, R, RBI, HR, BB

Lugo: 2-5

Stewart: 0-2, R, 2 BB, 2 SO

Hardy: 3.1 IP, 3 H, BB, 5 SO

Coming Up Next: Artie Lewicki will take on Jalen Beeks and the Red Sox at 6:35pm ET on Friday night.

Bradenton Marauders 5, Lakeland Flying Tigers 4 (box)

The Flying Tigers got off to a good start on Thursday, tallying a pair of runs in each of the first two innings. Unfortunately, starter Austin Sodders came apart in the fourth and fifth innings, and the Flying Tigers couldn’t mount a comeback. Danny Pinero had three hits in the losing effort, while Derek Hill, Isaac Paredes and Daz Cameron each had an RBI.

Pinero: 3-4, R

Cameron: 1-4, R, RBI, SO

Sodders (L): 4.1 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, SO, HR

Coming Up Next: The Flygers will welcome in the Charlotte Stone Crabs for a weekend series beginning Friday night. On Superstition Night, which features a t-shirt giveaway, Anthony Castro will take on Mikey York at 6:05pm ET.

West Michigan Whitecaps 4, Great Lakes Loons 3 (box)

Dane Myers put together a solid outing in his start on Thursday, and was backed with good work from Burris Warner as the Whitecaps held off a late charge by the Loons. The offense was pretty quiet, but they didn’t have much to swing at, as the Loons’ pitching staff walked 12 on the night. 12. A freaking dozen. Anyway, Jordan Pearce doubled and walked four times, while Zac Shepherd had two hits and three walks. The damage was mostly self-inflicted on the Loons’ part.

Pearce: 1-1, R, 2B, 4 BB

Shepherd: 2-2, R, RBI, 3 BB

Myers (W): 5.0 IP, ER, 5 H, BB, 3 SO

Coming Up Next: The Whitecaps head over to Lansing for a weekend series on Friday night. Eudis Idrogo will take on the Lugnuts’ Graham Spraker at 7:05pm ET.

Erie SeaWolves idle

The SeaWolves traveled home on Thursday, in preparation for their home opener on Friday night. They’ll welcome the Altoona Curve into UPMC Park at 6:05pm ET. Spencer Turnbull is set to take on the fabulously named, Dario Agrazal.