Clingstones Pitching Returns to Form in 3-2 Win over Birmingham

Brett Sears led a strong effort for the Columbus Clingstones (10-7. 39-42) on the mound in a 3-2 victory over the Birmingham Barons (6-11, 32-54) on Saturday night at Synovus Park.

Decisive Plays: A one-out double in the first inning from Luke Waddell setup an RBI single from Drew Compton to give the Stones a 1-0 lead. Birmingham tied the game in the fifth on an RBI double from Grant Magill. An RBI single from Dalton McIntyre gave Columbus the lead back 2-1 in the home half. Columbus pulled out to a 3-1 advantage in the sixth inning on an RBI single from Tyler Tolve, but Boston Smith smashed a home run in the seventh to cut it to a one-run deficit for the Barons. The Clingstones received 2.1 perfect innings of relief from Owen Hackman and Tyler LaPorte to seal the win.

Key Contributors: Sears (6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO) turned in a strong start on the mound while McIntyre (1-for-4, RBI) and Compton (1-for-3, RBI) provided the spark at the plate. For Birmingham, Smith (2-for-4, HR, RBI) drove most of the Barons offense.

Notable: Sears threw 100 pitches, tying the franchise record previously set by Garrett Baumann in June against Rocket City. Columbus punched out 12 batters and continues to lead Double-A teams in that category during the second half. Columbus won its first six-game series since April 14-19 against Biloxi.

Next Game (Sunday, July 12): Columbus vs. Birmingham, 1:05 p.m. ET at Synovus Park. RHP Cedric De Grandpre (2-1, 5.00 ERA) will start for Columbus opposed by LHP Lucas Gordon (3-4, 4.99 ERA) for Birmingham. Radio Broadcast: 12:50 p.m. ET on SportsVisions 92.1 FM. Stream: Bally Sports Live.