Clippers tip Charlotte 5-2

The Clippers beat the Charlotte Knights 5-2 at Knights Stadium thanks to clutch hitting and a good start from young righty Trevor Bauer. 

Charlotte got on the board with a Lars Anderson infield RBI single in the bottom of the first. The Clippers then tied the game in the top of the fourth when Cord Phelps scored on a Chun Chen single. Clippers shortstop Juan Diaz then knocked in another run with an RBI single to right, giving Columbus a 2-1 lead.

The Clippers padded their lead in the top of the fifth thanks to the speed of Ezequiel Carrera. Carrera took his lead off of third when Lonnie Chisenhall fouled out deep down the left field line. Carrera then tagged up from third, sprinting towards home. Carrera barely beat the throw from Charlotte shortstop Carlos Sanchez, augmenting the Columbus advantage to 3-1.

The Knights would inch closer with a Tyler Greene RBI double in the bottom of the fifth, but Phelps provided Columbus some breathing room with a two run shot in the top of the seventh. The Clippers would go to win the first game of the twin bill. Trevor Bauer (W, 3-2) got the win for the Clippers. Jason Berken (L, 4-7) took the loss for Charlotte. Jerry Gil (S, 3) tallied the save for Columbus.

In game two of the doubleheader, the Clippers will tap the talents of lefty T. J. House (1-5, 5.91) as he climbs atop the mound for the start. The Knights will counter with right-hander Zach Stewart (3-8, 5.17).