Ford's homer surges Bats past Clippers, 10-6
Ford's shot came three batters after first baseman Wes Bankston's two-run single which broke a 3-3 tie. Ford finished the game 2-for-4 with four runs batted in.
Columbus got on the board quickly in the first inning when designated hitter Wes Hodges grounded out to Bats shortstop Chris Valaika, scoring leadoff centerfielder Donnie Webb from third base.
Bankston gave the Bats a brief lead in the second inning with a two-run homerun, scoring third baseman Juan Francisco. Bankston scored three runs on the evening, going 4-for-5 from the plate.
Louisville starter Tom Cochran earned his first win in his second Triple-A start, allowing three runs off eight hits while striking out four in 5.1 innings. Closer Logan Ondrusek picked up the one-out save after reliever Greg Atencio allowed three earned runs in one inning.
Hector Rondon (4-4) gave up seven earned runs off six hits in 7.0 innings, striking out five Bats compared to walking only two in the final matchup between the two teams this season.
Indianapolis remains the only opponent remaining on the 2009 Louisville regular season schedule. The two teams will square off for the first of four games at Victory Field on Thursday night, before heading back to Louisville Slugger Field for Sunday and Monday's games.
Probable starters for Thursday's 7:00 p.m. first pitch include LHP Travis Wood (4-2, 3.30 ERA) for the Bats and RHP Ty Taubenheim (7-9, 3.83 ERA) for the Indians.