Clippers win series in Indy
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- The Columbus Clippers (53-46) beat the Indianapolis Indians (53-46) 9-5 Sunday afternoon. After losing three in a row, including both games of a doubleheader against the Indians Thursday, the Clippers have won four in a row and enter the All-Star break tied for the division lead.
Tyler Cloyd (7-5, 4.11 ERA) was quality for the fourth straight start. He didn't record an out in the seventh after going out, but ended his day with six full innings pitched and allowed two runs, one earned, on nine hits with two walks and five strikeouts. Casey Sadler (8-2, 2.41 ERA) celebrated his 24th birthday, but would not do so with a win. He allowed just two runs in six innings on seven hits two three walks, but was outdueled by Cloyd and never pitched with the lead.
Columbus got on the board first. The Clippers got back-to-back singles by Matt Carson and Carlos Moncrief to start the second. After Ryan Rohlinger sacrificed them both into scoring position with a bunt Luke Carlin came through with a single. Jose Ramirez made it a 2-0 Clippers lead with a sacrifice fly.
Cloyd allowed a run in the sixth after a two-out two-base error allowed Indianapolis' Tony Sanchez to reach. Mel Rojas, Jr., drove in the run with a single.
The Clippers then rallied in the seventh after Indy's unearned run. Tyler Holt started the frame with a single and "El Jefe" Jesus Aguilar drove in Holt with a double. The IL All-Star Aguilar then scored on a one-out double by Justin Sellers. With one out the Indians chose to intentionally walk Carlos Moncrief for the second time, but the move did not pay off as it had the first time. With two outs Carlin drew a walk and it was a 5-1 Columbus lead.
The Indians got the tying run to the plate before an out was recorded in the bottom of the seventh. With the bases loaded Chase d'Arnaud hit an infield single and cut the Columbus lead to three. The Indians had the tying run on first, but a doubleplay ended the threat.
Columbus rallied to create seperation late and secured the win.
The Clippers are off until Thursday with the All-Star game in Durham Wednesday. Jesus Aguilar will represent the Clippers as he was selected to the All-Star roster and will compete in the home run derby Monday. After the game Columbus manager Chris Tremie confirmed Aguilar will start in the All-Star game Wednesday.
Though Roberto "RoboCop" Perez was also selected to the roster he is currently with the major league Indians.
The Triple-A All-Star game can be seen Wednesday at 7 p.m. on the MLB Network and heard on the radio home of the Clippers AM 920 WMI.
The next game for Columbus is Thursday at Huntington Park at 7:05 p.m. against the Indians.