Clippers rally comes up short

The Clippers came close to completing a comeback, but fell just short as the Rochester Red Wings hung on for a 7-6 win.

Rochester wasted no time getting on the board in the top of the first. Eric Farris led off the game with a solo shot into the left field bleachers. Clete Thomas then scored on a wild pitch, and Nathan Hanson and Joe Benson each had RBI singles. By the time the inning was over, eight players came to the plate and the Red Wings had a 4-0 lead.

After Rochester added to their lead with a two run homer by Nathan Hanson in the top of the third, Columbus would get the offense going in the bottom of the frame thanks to RBI singles by Matt LaPorta and Cord Phelps. Rochester would get one of those runs back in the top of the fifth on a Ray Olmedo RBI single, making it 7-2.

Columbus would mount a comeback. Juan Diaz scoring on a force out in the bottom of the seventh and LaPorta hit a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth. A Jeremy Hermida two run shot in the bottom of the ninth made it a 7-6 affair. Unfortunately, the rally came up short as Rochester held on for the win. P.J. Walters (W, 3-2) got the win for Rochester. T.J. House (L, 0-1) took the loss for Columbus. Luis Perdomo (S, 3) closed it out in the ninth.

Clippers will continue their four game set with Rochester on Friday night. Righty Joe Martinez (0-2, 3.25) will get the start for Columbus. The Red Wings will counter with Kyle Gibson (1-3, 3.33). First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM.