Clippers jump on Bats early, win 13-2

COLUMBUS, Oh. - Louisville Bats starter Tim Gustafson looked to have turned things around in his last start, allowing just one earned run in 6.2 innings against the Mud Hens Sunday after several shaky starts before that. He planned to earn his second straight win Friday night at Huntington Park, but the Columbus Clippers had other ideas as they downed the Bats, 13-2.

The Clippers tallied two runs against Gustafson in the bottom of the first and added five more in the bottom of the third, all of them earned, before chasing Gustafson. Gustafson (5-6) suffered the loss, lasting just 2.2 innings and allowing eight hits and surrendering three walks.

Clippers first basemen and reigning International League MVP Russ Canzler drove in six runs. He touched Gustafson for a two-run double in the first and a two-run home run in the third. Canzler finished 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run and three runs scored.

Juan Diaz, hitting seventh in the Clippers' lineup, did not make things easier for Bats pitching. He was 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI.

A two-run single for Bats third baseman Mike Costanzo with one out in the ninth provided the team their only two runs. Costanzo, Felix Perez and Cody Puckett each finished 2-for-4 for the Bats.

Southpaw T.J. McFarland (8-6) earned the win for Columbus, tossing six scoreless innings and allowing just three hits and a walk.

Bats catcher Corky Miller became the first position player to pitch for the Bats in the 141st game of the 2012 season. He tossed a perfect bottom of the eighth.

The two teams finish their season series Saturday evening at Huntington Park. LHP Travis Webb (2-5, 4.70) makes his first start of the year for the Bats, and LHP Matt Packer (0-4, 6.84) gets the ball for the Clippers. Columbus has taken 13 of 20 games from Louisville in 2012.