Just one night after the Toledo Mud Hens’ pitching staff gave up 12 hits and allowed four free passes, they struck out 15 and allowed just seven hits during Thursday’s 4-2 win over Omaha at Fifth Third Field.

Brenan Hanifee got the start on the mound for the Mud Hens, striking out four in three innings. Garret Hill (3-1) picked up the win, striking out six in three innings of relief work. He allowed just two hits and one walk. 

Aneurys Zabala struck out the side in the top of the seventh. 

It didn’t take long for the Hens to establish a lead as Tyler Nevin — who in Wednesday’s game was a triple shy from the cycle and hit two home runs— hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning. It was his 13th long ball of the season and he raised his batting average to .325. 

Andre Lipcius widened the gap to 3-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning after singling home Wenceel Perez for the Mud Hens (53-63). Lipcius finished with two singles and the RBI. 

Jose Briceno cracked a two-out, two-run homer in the top of the ninth and provided the only spark for an otherwise muted Storm Chasers’ lineup. Omaha left seven runners on base and was 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.

UP NEXT: Winners of five of its last six, Toledo will look to keep the solid play going Friday night when it plays Omaha (51-61) at 7:05 at Fifth Third Field.

First Published August 18, 2023, 2:41 a.m.