The Columbus Clingstones (28-26, 57-61) received a vintage start from Ian Mejia and another home run from Jordan Groshans but were overpowered on a big night from Carter Graham, who smashed a pair of two-run home runs for the Chattanooga Lookouts (18-36, 55-68) to send Columbus to its third-straight loss this week in a 4-3 defeat on Thursday at Erlanger Park.
Decisive Plays: Mejia stranded a pair of runners in scoring position in the second inning to keep the game scoreless. Columbus took its first lead of the week on an RBI single from Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. in the third inning. Graham smashed a two-run homer in the third inning to put the Lookouts ahead 2-1 in the home half. Groshans sent another opposite-field home run (28) in the fourth inning to tie the game at 2-2. Columbus took the lead back in the seventh on an infield RBI single from John Gil. With Samuel Strickland (BS, 2) in the game in the eighth inning, Graham delivered another two-run home run to put the Lookouts ahead 4-3.
Key Contributors: Mejia (6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 SO) tossed first quality start of the season while Groshans (1-for-4, HR, RBI) homered for the second time in the series. For Chattanooga, Graham (3-for-4, 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI) was the offense.
Notable: Columbus falls to 39-7 when leading after seven innings. The nine-strikeout performance for Mejia was his first since August 28, 2025 at Rocket City. Groshans' 28th home run tied him with Drew Lugbauer (22 HR in 2022) for the most by a Braves' Double-A player in one season since 2000.
Next Game (Friday, August 28): Columbus at Chattanooga, 7:00 p.m. ET at Erlanger Park. LHP Braden Scott (3-0, 2.25 ERA) will start for Columbus opposed by RHP Javi Rivera (3-9, 6.78 ERA) for Chattanooga. Radio Broadcast: 6:45 p.m. ET on SportsVisions 92.1 FM. Stream: Bally Sports Live.
Next Home Game (Tuesday, September 1): Columbus vs. Pensacola, 7:06 p.m. ET at Synovus Park. Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. ET on SportsVisions 92.1 FM. Stream: Bally Sports Live.