Columbus rallied to score four times in the eighth inning Sunday afternoon as the Clippers beat the Louisville Bats 7-4. It was Louisville’s third straight loss after beating Columbus on Opening Night.
For a moment, it looked as if Louisville was going to win. With two outs in the top of the eighth, outfielder Danny Dorn sent a towering two-run home run over the 22-foot wall in right field. Dorn’s blast put the Bats up 4-3, but it was short lived.
A fielding error by Chris Valaika to start the Clippers’ eighth was followed by a Matt LaPorta double. After Russ Canzler struck out swinging, the Bats elected to intentionally walk Lonnie Chisenhall. Ryan Spillborghs then singled home a run, Trevor Crowe walked scoring a run and giving Columbus the lead for good. Matt Pagnozzi extended the lead to 7-4 with a two-run single to cap the scoring.
Louisville (1-3) got on the board first in the second inning with an RBI sac fly by Dioner Navarro. Columbus (3-1) countered with three runs of their own in the bottom half of the frame.
Bats reliever Nick Christiani, who pitched the eighth, picked up the loss and blew his second save in as many appearances.
Louisville starter Chad Reineke threw six quality innings giving three runs on six hits, striking out four, and walking two. Travis Webb pitched a scoreless inning of relief.
Columbus pitching combined to strike out twelve Louisville hitters; that brings the Bats total for the season to 40 over their first four games.
Louisville also continued to struggle with their situational hitting. The Bats went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, bringing their total for the season to an abysmal 3-for-30.
The Bats travel to Toledo to begin a four game set against the Mud Hens Monday. Andrew Brackman is scheduled to get the start for Louisville. He will be opposed by Casey Crosby.
