Bats drop 10-6 contest to Clippers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville Bats (9-12) saw their three-game home winning streak end on Tuesday night at Louisville Slugger Field as they fell to the Columbus Clippers (11-12) in the second game of the series.

The Clippers got on the board early with a double to center field in the first inning and retained their lead for the entire game. Although Columbus led 10-0 in the fifth inning, both teams recorded the same amount of total hits for the night with 12.
Second baseman Phil Gosselin finally broke the drought in the sixth inning with a RBI single to score first baseman D.J. Peterson. The momentum then continued into the seventh inning when center fielder Mason Williams connected for a base hit to score left fielder Brandon Dixon. The third run of the night came from a fielding error to score catcher Tony Cruz. Williams started visions of a comeback as he smacked a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, but it was not enough to steal the win.
Louisville right-handed starter Robert Stephenson (1-3) got the loss, going 2.1 innings and allowing six earned runs from seven hits, while walking three and collecting five strikeouts on 75 pitches (44 strikes).
The Bats bullpen combined for 6.2 innings in relief, allowing three earned runs from five hits, surrendering four walks and collecting five strikeouts.
Columbus starter Stephen Fife (1-3) recorded his first win of the season, going six innings and allowing three earned runs off seven hits, with two walks and three strikeouts.
Peterson, Gosselin and Williams each recorded two hits, with Williams scoring a team-high four RBI for the night.
The Bats are back at it tomorrow at Slugger Field for the rubber match of the series against the Clippers. Louisville right-hander Jackson Stephens will go head-to-head against Columbus southpaw Adam Wilk, with first pitch set for 11:00 a.m.