Clippers sneak by RailRiders, capture series win

It was a back-and-forth affair at PNC Field as Columbus came out on top by a score of 3-2 over the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders.

Columbus got on the board first when catcher Yan Gomes drove home a run with an RBI double in the top of the third. The RailRiders would then tie it at 1-1 on an Addison Maruszak RBI double in the bottom of the fifth.

The tie would be broken in the top of the sixth. Clippers third baseman Ryan Rohlinger hit a long fly ball to right field that was dropped by RailRiders right fielder Zoilo Almonte. It allowed Matt Carson to score to give Columbus a 2-1 lead. In the bottom half of the frame, Scranton/Wilkes Barre tied it again with a Luke Murton RBI double.

Left-hander T.J. House made his first career start in a Clippers uniform. Although he received a no-decision, it was a sharp outing for House, limiting the RailRiders to two runs on five hits while striking out seven and walking two in six innings of work.

Once again, the Clippers had an answer offensively. In the top of the eighth, Matt Carson clubbed a solo homer, his third of the year, over the left field wall to give Columbus a 3-2 edge.

From there the Clippers would hold on for the win, taking three of four against the RailRiders. Fernando Nieve (W, 1-1) got the win for Columbus. Jim Miller (L, 0-2) was hit with the loss for Scranton/Wilkes Barre.

With the end of their four game series with Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Columbus will travel to Pawtucket, Rhode Island to start a four game set with the Red Sox. The Clippers will send right-hander Joe Martinez (0-2, 3.43) to the hill. He will oppose Pawtucket righty Allen Webster (0-0, 0.90). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM.