Bats stymie Clippers 2-1

In their final meeting of 2013, the Bats won a 2-1 pitcher's duel against Columbus at Huntington Park.

The Bats were the first team to get on the board when Nevin Ashley drove home a run with an RBI groundout to second in the top of the second. Mike Hessman then doubled the Bats lead in the top of the third on an RBI sacrifice fly to center.

For much of the night, Chad Rogers baffled Columbus batters. In seven innings, Rogers limited the Clippers to one run on three hits while striking out four and walking two. On the other side, Trevor Bauer minimized damage despite control issues. In five innings, Bauer walked seven batters, but gave up only two runs on four hits.

Columbus finally got on the board with a Chun Chen RBI double in the bottom of the seventh. In the bottom of the eighth, the Clippers had runners on first and third with two outs. Jeremy Hermida sent a long fly-ball to deep center field that was eventually caught by Billy Hamilton up against the wall for the final out of the frame.

The Clippers went 1-2-3 in the ninth, allowing Louisville to come away with the win. Rogers (W, 5-5) got the win for the Bats. Bauer (L, 6-7) took the loss for Columbus. Jose Diaz (S, 12) nailed down the victory for Louisville.

The Clippers head north to Fifth Third Field to take on Toledo on Friday night. Righty Joe Martinez (3-7, 5.44) will get the start on the mound for Columbus. The starter for the Mud Hens has yet to be determined. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM.