Columbus sidesteps Pawtucket 6-5

A day after blowing a late game lead, Columbus was able to hold on as they defeated the Pawtucket Red Sox 6-5 at McCoy Stadium.

The Clippers would strike first with the bats in the top of the second. Catcher Omir Santos drove home a run with an RBI single. That was then followed by a Matt Lawson RBI single which made it a 2-0 edge for Columbus. Lawson would again come up big offensively when he drove home two more runs with a double and scored on a fielder's choice to make it a 5-0 affair in favor of his ball club.

Japanese right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka started this game for Columbus. He cruised through three innings of work before being pulled in the fourth because of an undisclosed injury. In the top of the sixth, Adam Abraham beat out an infield grounder for an RBI single, giving the Clippers a commanding 6-0 lead.

Pawtucket would then get on the board with a long ball show in the bottom of the seventh. Mark Hamilton started the power display with a two run homer. That would be followed by solo shots by Bryce Brentz and Dan Butler. The Red Sox would inch closer with a Hamilton RBI single.

Fortunately, Clippers closer Preston Guilmet (S, 8) retired the Red Sox 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth for another save. David Huff (W, 2-1) got the win for Columbus. Terry Doyle (L, 2-1) took the loss for Pawtucket.

On Monday night, another ballgame will be played against these two International League squads. Columbus will give the ball to right-hander Trevor Bauer (1-0, 2.50). Pawtucket will counter with righty Steven Wright (1-0, 2.70). First pitch is scheduled for 6:15 PM.