Clippers parlay huge second inning into win

Because of seven run second inning, the Clippers cruised to a 7-3 win over the Louisville Bats at Huntington Park.

Josh Fellhauer got the Bats on the board with an RBI double down the left field line in the top of the second. The Clippers quickly tied it at 1-1 in the bottom of the second on a Roberto Perez RBI sacrifice fly to center. They later took a 3-1 lead thanks to two run single to center by Tim Fedroff and broke it open with a Matt Carson grand slam into the left field bleachers. By the time the inning ended, Columbus possessed a commanding 7-1 lead.

Clippers righty Paulo Espino took it from there as he pitched as well as he had all this season. Espino delivered 6 2/3 strong innings, striking out nine and walking two while holding Louisville to one run on two hits.

The Bats would score two runs in the top of the eighth on a Felix Perez RBI double and a Mike Hessman RBI sacrifice fly, but that would be it as the Clippers came away with the victory. Espino (W, 1-4) got the victory for Columbus. Daniel Corcino (L, 4-11) was hit with the loss for Louisville.

These IL West rivals will meet again at Huntington Park on Saturday night for a doubleheader. In game one, Columbus righty Danny Salazar (2-2, 3.86) will oppose Louisville righty Greg Reynolds (10-0, 2.44). In game two, the Bats will go with righty Pedro Villareal (2-5, 5.62). The starter for the Clippers in that game has yet to be determined. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 5:35 PM.