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Clippers split doubleheader with Knights

Clippers receive great starts from Bauer and Brach
May 7, 2013

A doubleheader was played at Huntington Park with Charlotte rallying to take game one 4-2 and Columbus holding on for a 2-1 victory in game two. 

In game one, it would be Columbus who get on the scoreboard first. Matt LaPorta hit his third homer in four games, a solo shot in the bottom of the fourth, to give the Clippers an early 1-0 lead. Tim Fedroff then drove home Cord Phelps with an RBI sacrifice fly to make it 2-0 Columbus.

Meanwhile, Columbus right-hander Trevor Bauer shut down the Charlotte offense. Although his command was not as sharp as usual (3 BB, four hit batsman), he struck out seven in 6 2/3 IP.

 Bauer would be lifted in favor of Preston Guilmet in the top of the seventh. Guilmet, who had been very good coming out of the bullpen (8 saves), gave up the lead with a two out, two run single by Carlos Sanchez. Charlotte then took its first lead of the game when Brent Morel stroked a two run homer into the Wendy's Hamburger Balcony in right, giving the Knights a 4-2 advantage. Columbus could not put together the necessary rally in the bottom of the seventh, allowing Charlotte to get the win. Donnie Veal (W, 1-0) received the win for the Knights. Guilmet (L,0-2) took the loss for the Clippers.

In game two, it was Charlotte who would get on the board first with an RBI double by Brent Morel.

Righty Brett Brach made his Clippers debut. Brach, who had started the year with Double-A Akron, had a decent night on the mound, striking out eight and walking one while limiting Charlotte to one run on four hits in five innings of work.

Columbus would rally in the bottom of the sixth. After reaching on a dropped fly-ball by Charlotte outfielder Dayan Viciedo, Cedric Hunter would score on a throwing error by Knights pitcher Ramon Troncoso, tying the game at 1-1. Juan Diaz then scored from third on an RBI infield single by Matt Lawson to make it a 2-1 affair.

Unlike game one, the Clippers were able to nail down the win the top of the seventh. Fernando Nieve (W, 2-1) pitched the final two innings for Columbus and got the win. Troncoso (L, 1-1) was hit with the loss for the Knights.

Charlotte and Columbus will be back at it on Wednesday for game three of their four game series. The Clippers will send lefty T.J. House (0-1, 8.10) to the mound. Charlotte will counter with righty Zach Stewart (0-4, 4.66). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM.