Bulls double up Clippers 4-2

The Clippers could not make an early lead hold up as they fell to Durham 4-2 at Huntington Park.

Columbus capitalized on an early Durham mistake in the bottom of the first. With runners on the corners and two out, Juan Diaz dribbled a grounder towards first that found its way inside the line. The throw from Bulls first baseman Vince Belnome was wild, allowing Ezequiel Carrera to score.

An inning later, the Clippers increased their lead with one of the more interesting collisions at home plate. Roberto Perez sent a shallow fly ball to center. After the catch by Kevin Kiermaier, Ryan Rohlinger tagged from third and raced home. Kiermaier's throw was on time, but was dropped by catcher Chris Gimenez. In a scene reminiscent of an Oklahoma drill in football practice, Rohlinger and Gimenez collided three times before Rohlinger touched home plate to score the second run for Columbus.

The Bulls would tie the game at 2-2 on a Cole Figueroa two run single to right in the fourth. They then took a 3-2 lead in the top of the fifth on a Jason Bourgeois RBI single. Durham later added a run in top of the eighth on a Mike Fontenot RBI double.

The Bulls would go on to win the game. J.D. Martin (W, 13-4) picked up the win for Durham. Trevor Bauer (L, 5-3) took the loss for Columbus. Kirby Yates (S, 13) got the save for the Bulls.

The Clippers continue their four game series with Durham on Sunday night. Columbus righty Danny Salazar (3-2, 3.28) will tangle with Bulls right-hander Jake Odorizzi (7-4, 3.64). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM.