Clippers beat Indy in Huntington Park opener

In the fifth home opener in Huntington Park history, the Clippers held on for a 7-6 victory over the Indianapolis Indians.

Daisuke Matsuzaka started this game for the Clippers. He only lasted 2 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on three hits before leaving with an undisclosed injury.

The Clippers offense came alive in the bottom of the second. With runners on second and third with nobody out, Ryan Rohlinger got the home team on the board with an RBI single to right field. The next batter, Roberto Perez, sent a dribbler up the third base line that could not be corralled by Indians third baseman Jared Goedert, allowing Cedric Hunter to score from third. Four batters later, Jeremy Hermida kept the offensive onslaught going, driving home two more with two run single to left center. Juan Diaz later added a two run single to right and Cedric Hunter lashed a RBI single to left field. It all added up to a seven run frame for Columbus.

Indianapolis put together a productive offensive frame of their own in the top of the third, scoring three runs on an Alex Presley RBI single and Brandon Inge two run double. Inge was later called out for missing the first base bag while heading to second on the double, stunting what could have been a big inning for Indy.

Indy would continue to rally. Two more runs would score for the Indians in the top of the fifth on a two run single by Jerry Sands. Another run would score in the top of the sixth on a Jordy Mercer RBI sacrifice fly to make it a 7-6 affair.

In the end, the Clippers held on for the win. Jerry Gil (W, 1-0) got the win for Columbus. Kyle McPherson (L, 0-1) took the loss for Indianapolis. Preston Guilmet (S, 2) picked up the save for the home team.

A doubleheader will be played at Huntington Park tomorrow as Columbus continues its four game set with Indianapolis. In game one, right-hander Trevor Bauer, the top pitching prospect in the Cleveland organization, will make his first ever start in a Clippers uniform. He'll oppose Indy righty Kris Johnson (1-0, 0.00). In game two, Columbus will give the ball to lefty David Huff (0-0, 0.00) who will make his second start in 2013. The starter for Indianapolis has yet to be determined. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 4:35 PM. Game two will start thirty minutes after the conclusion of game one. Gates open at 4:00 PM.