Mud Hens Close 2025 Season with 7-2 Win in Iowa
The Toledo Mud Hens finished their 2025 campaign with momentum, defeating the Iowa Cubs 7-2 on Sunday, September 21, at Principal Park. The win gave the Hens a fitting close to a season defined by growth, grit, and flashes of promise for the future.
Final Game Recap
Toledo’s offense set the tone early. Eduardo Valencia doubled in the first inning, and by the third, the bats were rolling. Andrew Navigato opened the frame with a double and scored on an Austin Murr RBI single. Justyn-Henry Malloy followed with a two-run blast to left field, and Valencia added another double to extend the rally.
The Mud Hens piled on in the fourth, capitalizing on singles, walks, and defensive miscues by Iowa. Hao-Yu Lee delivered the big hit—a two-run single—while another error pushed the lead to 6-0. Navigato continued to shine with hits in the fifth and seventh, and Malloy’s speed helped tack on one more insurance run in the eighth after swiping second and scoring on a Gage Workman double.
On the pitching side, Brenan Hanifee opened the game, with steady relief work following from Tyler Mattison, José Urquidy, Chase Lee, Dylan Smith, Drew Sommers, and Randy Dobnak. Mattison earned the win with a dominant inning, fanning three batters.
Season in Review
The Mud Hens’ season had its ups and downs, but Sunday’s finale captured the team’s identity: resilience at the plate and determination on the mound. Veterans and rising prospects alike had moments to shine, from Malloy’s steady power bat to Navigato’s consistency and Lee’s clutch hitting.
On the pitching side, Toledo juggled arms throughout the summer, seeing contributions from both established starters and young relievers gaining valuable Triple-A experience. The bullpen, at times tested, found its footing late in the season and provided encouraging depth heading into the offseason.
Looking Ahead
While Toledo did not secure a postseason berth, the foundation laid in 2025 offers optimism for what’s to come. The combination of young talent and organizational depth means that several players could push for opportunities at the big-league level in the near future. For fans, the energy at Fifth Third Field remained a highlight, with the Mud Hens continuing to deliver one of the best gameday atmospheres in Minor League Baseball.
The 7-2 finale win wasn’t just another mark in the win column—it was a snapshot of what this roster is capable of. For the Mud Hens, closing the season with a statement victory sets the stage for a hopeful and competitive 2026.