Martinez, Clippers take care of Norfolk
Columbus bested Norfolk 4-2 at Huntington Park behind a stellar outing by Joe Martinez.
The Clippers got the on the board in the bottom of the third. Ryan Rohlinger gave Columbus an early 1-0 lead on an RBI single. Matt LaPorta then extended that lead with a two run homer into the left field bleachers. It was LaPorta's 37th homer hit at Huntington Park while as a member of the Clippers. Only Jared Goedert (36 while with Columbus, 1 while with Indianapolis) has hit as many homers at Huntington Park.
Norfolk made it a 3-2 affair when Jonathan Schoop sent a two run shot into the left field bleachers in the top of the fourth.
Columbus would get one of those runs back in the bottom of the sixth. With runners at second and third, Chun Chen sent a chopper to the shortstop Yamaico Navarro. Navarro threw home to try to get the runner, Matt LaPorta. Navarro's throw was low to the catcher Chris Snyder, allowing LaPorta to score.
Columbus right-hander Joe Martinez was sharp on the mound. Martinez went seven innings, handcuffing Norfolk to two runs on seven hits while striking out five.
Shutout frames by Clay Rapada and Preston Guilmet allowed the Clippers to come out with a win over the Tides. Martinez (W, 3-7) was awarded the win for Columbus. Tsuyoshi Wada (L, 4-6) took the loss for Norfolk. Guilmet (S, 20) tallied the save.
The Clippers and Tides will once again duke it out on the diamond on Monday. Daisuke Matsuzaka (5-7, 3.62) will get the start for Columbus. Norfolk will go with righty Kevin Gausman (0-2, 5.20). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.