Despite home runs from Ezequiel Carrera and Matt LaPorta, the Clippers could not hold a late lead, falling to the Charlotte Knights 5-2.

After four innings of scoreless baseball, the Clippers would be the first squad to score when Ezequiel Carrera drilled a solo shot over the right center field wall, giving Columbus a 1-0 lead. That one run advantage would double to 2-0 in the top half of the sixth when Matt LaPorta crushed his 15th long ball of season into the left field bleachers.

The Knights would then get some offense going in the bottom of the sixth. With two outs, Tyler Kuhn scored on a Connor Jackson double. The next batter, Dallas McPherson, singled up the middle, scoring Jackson and tying things at 2-2.

Charlotte would then break the tie in the bottom of the seventh. With one out and runners on first and second, Greg Golson doubled to right, giving the Knights a 3-2 lead. The very next batter, Tyler Kuhn, doubled on a fly ball to deep center, driving home Justin Greene and Golson to augment the Knights advantage to 5-2.

The Clippers were not able to mount the necessary rally as they ended up losing 5-2 to Charlotte. Deunte Heath (W, 3-2) was given the victory for the Knights. Dan Wheeler (L, 0-1) took the loss for Columbus. Brian Omogrosso (2) picked up the save in the ninth for Charlotte.

Columbus will continue its four games series with the Knights on Tuesday night. Corey Kluber (5-6, 3.73) will be given the ball as he makes the start for the Clippers. Charlotte will trot out right-hander Dylan Axelrod (5-4, 3.18). First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 pm.