Offense lifts Clippers to victory in opener

The Columbus Clippers kicked off the 2009 season in high style with a 12-4 win over the Louisville Bats at Lousville Slugger Field. The long ball was the order of the day as there were 6 total home runs hit in the game, 4 by the Clippers.

David Huff got the start and the win for the Clippers, tossing 5 innings. Huff gave up all 4 Louisville runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 5. Vinnie Chulk authored 2 shutout innings with Matt Herges and Tony Sipp each turning in one scoreless inning of relief.

Matt LaPorta opened the season with a bang, stroking 3 extra base hits including a laser-beam home run in his final at-bat. LaPorta was joined on the home run train by Michael Aubrey, Luis Valbuena and Jordan Brown.

Despite the 12 runs scored by the Clippers, the key moment of the game was a slick double play turned by Valbuena, Wilson Valdez and Aubrey in the 5th inning that killed the momentum Louisville was building in a quest to erase a Clippers lead for the 3rd time in 4 innings.

The Clippers and Bats will play again Friday at 7:05. Aaron Laffey starts for the Clippers and Matt Maloney will get the ball for Louisville in a battle of lefties.