Braves rally, walk-off with victory against Columbus

Righty Bauer strikes out six in fantastic start

June 8, 2013

Despite a tremendous outing from starter Trevor Bauer, the Clippers lost to Gwinnett 4-3 in 10 innings at Coolray Field.

Chun Chen gave the Clippers an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second with a solo homer way over the left field wall. Gwinnett's Brandon Beachy was dominant in this game. Beachy, who was making a minor league rehab start, struck out eight Clippers through five innings.

Chen would again play the role of offensive hero. Chen walked during this inning. While Omir Santos was batting, Chen broke for second on a steal attempt. Chen stole the base successfully while the throw from Braves catcher Matt Pagnozzi went into center field. Chen, showing heads-up base-running, was able to score on the play, doubling the Columbus lead to 2-0.

Columbus right-hander Trevor Bauer was outstanding on the mound, shutting out the Braves on four hits in seven innings while striking out six and walking one. The Braves would load the bases and get a run in the bottom of the eighth on a Joey Terdoslavich RBI sacrifice fly, but that would be it. The Clippers later added some insurance with an RBI triple by Ezequiel Carrera in the top of the ninth.

Unfortunately, Columbus closer Preston Guilmet could not protect that two run lead in the bottom of the ninth. Joe Leonard scored on a fielding error by Clippers second baseman Nate Spears. The Braves then tied the game on a Todd Cunningham RBI single to left. The Clippers would get out of the inning as both teams headed to extra innings.

Gwinnett would later walk-off with the victory in the bottom of the tenth when Pagnozzi, a former Clipper, hit a deep enough fly-ball to score Brandon Boggs from third, sending the Clippers to their fifteenth loss in seventeen games. Cory Rasmus (W, 2-1) got the win for the Braves. Paulo Espino (L, 0-2) was hit with the loss for Columbus.

The Clippers and Braves will back at it at Cool Ray Field on Sunday afternoon. Columbus will send righty Danny Salazar (0-1, 4.08) to the mound. Gwinnett will counter with lefty Sean Gilmartin (3-5, 4.43). First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 PM.