The Columbus Clingstones (22-19, 51-54) took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and led wire-to-wire despite a late threat from the Birmingham Barons (18-23, 44-66) in their 4-3 win on Wednesday night at Regions Field.
Decisive Plays: Columbus took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning after an RBI groundout from Owen Carey and an RBI single from Adam Zebrowski. After smooth sailing in the first two innings, Cam Caminiti faced a 35-pitch third inning that featured a solo home run from Caleb Bonemer. Columbus added two insurance runs in the eighth inning on an RBI single from Carey and a wild pitch from Grant Wright to score Carey a few batters later. With a 4-1 lead in the ninth inning, Birmingham scored twice on a ground-rule double from Anthony DePino and an RBI groundout, but Owen Hackman (S,2) struck out pinch-hitter Colby Shelton to end the game.
Key Contributors: Carey (1-for-4, 2 RBI) and Zebrowski (2-for-4, 2B, RBI) led Columbus on offense while Luis Vargas (1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 SO) navigated the seventh and eighth innings to keep Columbus in front. For Birmingham, Bonemer (3-for-5, 3B, HR, RBI) finished a double shy of the cycle.
Notable: Carey has posted eight RBI in his first eight games with Columbus. Columbus struck out 11 batters, marking the 21st time in the second half Columbus has struck out 10 or more batters. Luke Waddell extended his on-base streak to 13 games.
Next Game (Thursday, August 13): Columbus at Birmingham, 8:00 p.m. ET at Synovus Park. RHP Brett Sears (4-4, 3.44 ERA) will start for Columbus opposed by RHP Juan Carela (0-2, 4.80 ERA) for Birmingham. Radio Broadcast: 7:45 p.m. ET on SportsVisions 92.1 FM. Stream: Bally Sports Live.