Rochester mistakes lead to Clippers twin bill sweep

The Clippers secured the rare doubleheader sweep as they defeated the Rochester Red Wings by identical 3-1 scores in each game of the twin bill.

In game one, the Red Wings scored first on a Brian Dinkleman solo homer in the bottom of the second. Matt LaPorta then tied the game in the top of the sixth with an RBI single in the top of the sixth. The game, which was scheduled for seven innings, would go to extras.

In the top of the ninth, with two outs and runners on the corners, Columbus shortstop Juan Diaz sent what looked to be a routine fly-ball to left field. Red Wings outfielder Chris Herrmann dropped the baseball, allowing two runs to score on the play and giving Columbus a 3-1 lead.

Preston Guilmet (S, 11) came in from the bullpen and nailed down another save for Columbus in the bottom of the ninth. Jerry Gil (W, 4-0) got the win for the Clippers. Luis Perdomo (L, 1-2) was hit with the loss for Rochester.

Columbus righty Carlos Carrasco (ND) started on the mound in game one. He was very effective, going five innings and limiting Rochester to one run on four hits while striking out seven and walking three.

In game two, Rochester would once again draw first blood on the scoreboard, scoring a run in the bottom of the fifth on a Chris Colabello RBI double.

Columbus would come back in the top of the sixth. They would load the bases with one out. Tim Fedroff then hit a grounder to first. The Red Wings first baseman Colabello bobbled the grounder, then threw home. The throw was offline and allowed Matt Lawson to score. Matt Carson then followed that up with a grounder to third. The third baseman, Nate Hanson stepped on third for out #2. He would throw home, but his throw was not on target, allowing Cord Phelps to score and give Columbus a 2-1 advantage.

Righty Toru Murata (ND) delivered a solid start for Columbus, scattering six hits in four innings against Rochester.

Clippers shortstop Juan Diaz added a solo homer in the top of the seventh to give his club a 3-1 lead. Right-hander Fernando Nieve (W, 3-1) finished things up in the bottom of the seventh. Andrew Albers (L, 0-2) took the loss for the Red Wings.

Columbus and Rochester will return to action on Sunday afternoon. Rochester will send righty P.J. Walters (3-2, 3.70) to the hill. The starter for Columbus has yet to be determined. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM.