Clippers upend Charlotte 12-9

Phelps goes deep twice for Columbus offense

May 9, 2013

When the dust settled, the Clippers won a 12-9 slugfest over the Charlotte Knights at Huntington Park.

Columbus jumped all over Charlotte right-hander Andre Riezzo in the bottom of the first. Tim Fedroff led off the game with a solo homer into the left field bleachers. After a Ryan Rohlinger walk, Cord Phelps clubbed a two run shot over the center field wall. The hit parade continued with a Matt Lawson RBI double, a Cedric Hunter RBI single, a Chris Wallace RBI double, and a Fedroff RBI single. By the time the inning came to a close, twelve batters had come to the plate and the Clippers possessed a 7-0 lead.

Charlotte would score three runs in the top of the second. Lars Anderson came around to score on an error by Clippers right-fielder Jeremy Hermida. Steve Tolleson drove home another run with an RBI single and Blake Tekotte added an RBI double.

The Knights would have another big inning. This time, it would be the top half of the third. Mike McDade, a former Clipper, slammed a three run homer over the Wendy's Hamburger Balcony in the right field. That was followed by a Seth Loman solo homer to center. Just like that, the game was tied at 7-7.

Columbus retook the lead in the bottom of the third on a Fedroff RBI double to left-center. Rohlinger then sent a two run bomb into the left field bleachers. That was then followed up with another Phelps homer, his second of the game. At the end of three, it was 11-7 in favor of the Clippers.

The Knights would draw closer when Dayan Viciedo scored on a fielder's choice in top of the fifth and Brent Morel singled in a run in the top of the sixth. Columbus then tallied a 12th run on a Phelps RBI single. That would be enough as Columbus earned a four game split with Charlotte. David Huff (W, 3-1) was awarded the victory for the Clippers. Jhan Marinez (L,1-2) took the loss for the Knights. Columbus closer Preston Guilmet (S, 9) shut the door in the top of the ninth.

The Clippers will pack their bags as they start an eight game road trip beginning with a four game series at Rochester. Columbus will send righty Toru Murata (0-2, 6.00) to the hill. The Red Wings will counter with righty Samuel Deduno (0-0, 0.00). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.