Clippers beat up Braves

The Clippers brought out their bats and used them to pummel the Gwinnett Braves 11-4 on Italian Heritage Night at Huntington Park.

Stefan Gartrell got the Braves on the board with a two run single to left in the top of the fourth. Joe Leonard later plated Gartrell with an RBI double to right center as Gwinnett jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. The Clippers quickly responded with a two run homer by Matt Carson in the bottom half of the frame.

Former Indians righty Josh Tomlin made a rehab start for Columbus. Tomlin went five innings, giving up three runs at seven hits while striking out two and not walking a single batter.

The big frame for Columbus came in the bottom of the sixth. Jeremy Hermida came off the bench and knocked in a run with an RBI single. Nate Spears, another guy who had to come off the bench to bat, drove home a run with an RBI sacrifice fly.

Roberto Perez then gave Columbus a 5-4 lead with an RBI single to right. Tim Fedroff would cap the inning with a mammoth three run homer over the Wendy's Hamburger Balcony. It was a six run frame for Columbus as the Clippers amassed an 8-4 advantage.

In the bottom of the seventh, Hermida tallied another RBI single and Carson scored from third on a passed ball by Gwinnett catcher Jose Yepez. Ryan Rohlinger added to the large Clippers lead with a solo homer in the eighth.

Blake Wood (W, 2-0) got the win for Columbus. Andrew Russell (L, 2-5) took the loss for Gwinnett.

The Braves and Clippers will be back at it on Friday night. The Clippers will have lefty T.J. House (6-10, 4.32) get the start on the mound. The Braves will counter with righty David Hale (6-7, 2.80). First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM.