Clippers flex muscle in win over Syracuse

A potent Clippers offensive attack paced by three homers helped Columbus beat Syracuse 10-7 at NBT Bank Stadium.

The Columbus bats were smoking to begin the game. Jeremy Hermida got the power display going with a three run shot in the top of the first. Solo homers by Lonnie Chisenhall and Cord Phelps in the top of the third further augmented the Clippers lead to 5-0.

The Chiefs would then get on the board with a Carlos Rivera two-run double in the bottom of the third. They would also get a run in the bottom of the fourth on a Chris Marrero RBI single. Columbus, however, would respond to the Syracuse rally with a big top of the fifth. A three run double by Chris Wallace and an RBI single by Ezequiel Carrera gave Columbus a sizeable 9-3 advantage.

The Chiefs would score four runs in the bottom of the fifth as a Kris Watts two run homer and RBI singles by Jeff Kobernus and Will Ryhmes helped draw Syracuse to within three runs of Columbus. That was as close as they would get as the Clippers held on for a 10-7 victory. Fernando Nieve (W, 4-1) was awarded the win for Columbus, Chiefs starter Chris Young (L, 2-2) took the loss for Syracuse, and Preston Guilmet (S, 13) tallied another save for the Clippers.

The Clippers and Chiefs will meet again on the diamond on Thursday night. Columbus will send righty Carlos Carrasco (1-0, 1.88) to the hill. Syracuse will counter with righty Yunesky Maya (1-4, 5.70). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM.