Rain stalls Hens in Hessman's return

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Hens were rocking and rolling over an old teammate back in town until mother nature decided otherwise.

Mike Hessman spent five productive years with Toledo. In that time, the Hens won two International League titles. Hessman was named IL MVP in 2007. In general, Fifth Third Field fans remembered Hessman most for his many bombs out of the ballpark combined with solid defense at third base.

That steady glovework continued on Friday evening, although Andy Oliver managed to hold Hessman hitless.

Meanwhile, the Hens broke through in the 2nd inning when Wilkin Ramirez knocked out a three-run home run for a 3-0 lead. In the 3rd inning, after Jeff Larish knocked home Jeff Frazier with a double to make it 4-0, Casper Wells followed that effort up with a two-run jack and a 6-0 lead.

Rain started falling before the fifth inning and was eventually halted for the rest of the evening. Play will resume on Saturday with the completion of the first game at 6pm. In between the first and second games, Hens manager Larry Parrish will be formally recognized for his historic win #541 that put him atop the Mud Hen recordbook for managers.