Columbus used a big first and fourth inning to down the Bats 10-1 at Louisville Slugger Field. The Clippers got off to a fast start offensively in the top of the first.
With runners on the corners and one out, Matt LaPorta staked his club to a 1-0 lead by driving in Cord Phelps with an RBI sacrifice fly to center. Juan Diaz then delivered a big hit in the form of a grand slam over the right field wall, augmenting his squad’s advantage to 5-0.
The Bats would get a run in the bottom of the second on a Denis Phipps solo homer, but Columbus responded with a big inning in the top of the fourth. After loading the bases with nobody out, Vinnie Rottino drove home two with a double down the left field line.
The next batter, Russ Canzler, plated two more with another double to left field. Lars Anderson would do his part offensively, driving home another run with an RBI sacrifice fly to left. In total, five runs scored on four hits as nine batters came to the plate for the Clippers who greatly increased their lead over the Bats to 10-1.
It was more than enough run support for Clippers starter David Huff (W, 6-6) who limited Louisville to one run on two hits while striking out four and walking one in eight innings of work. Chad Reineke (L, 5-9) took the loss for Louisville.
Columbus will conclude its four game set with Louisville on Tuesday night. Left-hander T.J. McFarland (6-6, 4.75) will start on the mound for the Clippers. The Bats will send right-hander Tim Gustafson (4-5, 5.07) to the hill. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
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