Gwinnett comeback stuns Columbus

Gwinnett posted a two run ninth inning rally to beat Columbus 4-3 at Huntington Park.

The Braves would be the first team to get on the board thanks to an interesting set of circumstances in the top of the third. With two outs and a runner by second, Philip Gosselin hit a dribbler up the third base line. Thinking the ball would stay fair, Clipper catcher Roberto Perez picked up the ball and threw to first. Gosselin was called safe and Jose Constanza used his speed to score all the way from second to give Gwinnett a 1-0 lead.

The Braves later doubled their lead to 2-0 in the top of the fourth on a Joe Leonard RBI single to left. In the fifth, the Clippers finally got on the board with a Matt Carson solo homer into the left field bleachers.

Lefty T.J. House scattered ten hits while surrendering only two runs to Gwinnett in five innings. He struck out five batters and tallied no walks.

In the bottom of the seventh, Ryan Rohlinger helped the Clippers knot the game at 2-2 with an RBI double to left center. The very next batter, Justin Toole, drove home Rohlinger with an RBI single to left to give Columbus a 3-2 advantage.

The Braves had an answer in the top of the ninth. With runners on first and second and nobody out, Jose Constanza laid down a bunt. Clay Rapada picked up the ball and threw to first. His throw was nowhere close as it rattled around in the Clippers' bullpen down the right field line. Two runs came into score on the play as Gwinnett retook the lead 4-3.

The Clippers had one last chance in the bottom of the ninth. Juan Diaz singled with one out. Carson followed with another single. Following a fly-out by Rohlinger, Matt LaPorta grounded to third, bringing this game to an end. Ryan Buchter (W, 3-0) got the win for Gwinnett. Bryan Price (L, 1-3) took the loss for Columbus. Wirfin Obispo (S, 8) saved it for the Braves.

The Clippers will once again tangle with the Braves on Saturday night. Columbus will send righty Trevor Bauer (6-6, 4.14) to the hill. Gwinnett will tap the services of right-hander Omar Poveda (6-7, 3.49). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.