Bats comeback falls short, lose 4-3 to Clippers

COLUMBUS, Ohio - In the final game of a four-game series vs the Columbus Clippers, the Louisville Bats rally fell short losing by a score of 4-3. The Bats head into the Triple-A All-Star break having won five of their last nine games and two of their last three series. 

In his second start of the season, Louisville starter Sal Romano (2-7, 5.01) again impressed. Romano worked four scoreless innings allowing just one hit. His four scoreless innings Sunday afternoon gives him eight scoreless innings and only one hit allowed in two starts this season. Romano would be relieved in the fifth by Reds rehabber Wandy Peralta, who tossed a perfect inning, striking out one. 
Quiet for most of the day, the Bats' offense looked to score first in the sixth inning. With one out, Bats first baseman Christian Colón hit his team-leading 22nd double off the wall. The hit also extends Colon's hitting streak to nine games. Colon would advance to third, but ultimately be left on base ending the scoring threat. 
Also quiet for most of the day, the Columbus offense would get the scoring started in the sixth scoring four runs off of Louisville reliever Tejay Antone, making his second career relief appearance. The four runs would be capped off by a two-run homer off the bat of Columbus first baseman Ryan Flaherty. Antone would also work the seventh and eighth innings striking out two.
With two outs in the eighth, the Bats finally got on the scoreboard. Colon, smacking his second double of the game would not be left on base this time as Brain O'Grady homered to right-field, making the score 4-2. O'Grady's home run gives him 22 on the season, leading the Bats. Colon and O'Grady would both finish game going 2-for-4. Bats second baseman Sherman Johnson looked to rally making things even more interesting cutting into the Clippers lead in the ninth with a home run of his own, his fourth homer of the year. 
Heading into the Triple-A All-Star break, the Bats will have three days off resuming their season Thursday evening at Louisville Slugger Field vs the Toledo Mud Hens. Louisville right-hander Keury Mella (5-8, 5.15) is expected to start, as the Mud Hens starter has not been determined.