Clippers blast Bats 7-2

An Adam Abraham three-run homer keyed a five run fourth that propelled Columbus to a 7-2 win over the Bats at Louisville Slugger Field.

After a quite first three innings, the Clippers would get the bats going in the top of the fourth. Matt Carson drove home Tim Fedroff with an RBI groundout to second. Three batters later, Adam Abraham broke the game open with a three run homer over the left field wall, giving Columbus a 4-0 advantage.

The visiting team would keep on scoring in the fourth. After a Juan Diaz double, Ryan Rohlinger slapped a single into centerfield. Outfielder Billy Hamilton's throw home missed everybody, allowing Diaz to score and make it a 5-0 game.

Hamilton, the top prospect in the Reds minor league farm system, redeemed himself in the bottom half of the frame with a two run single to center to make it a three run deficit for his ball club. However, Columbus gave itself some breathing room in the top of the seventh, scoring two on a Jeremy Hermida bases loaded walk and an Omir Santos RBI sacrifice fly.

That would be enough for the Clippers to grab the victory over their IL West rivals. Nick Hagadone (W, 1-0) got the victory for Columbus. Daniel Corcino (L, 0-1) was hit with the loss for Louisville.

Columbus will be back at it on Tuesday as they continue their three game set with Louisville. Clippers right-hander Joe Martinez (0-0, 0.00) looks to get his first win on the 2013 season as he gets set to duel with Bats lefty Tony Ingrain (0-0, 0.00) who is also looking for his first victory of the season. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm.