Jordan Groshans momentarily rescued the Columbus Clingstones (22-20, 51-55) with a game-tying three-run home run in the top of the ninth, but a wild pitch from in the bottom of the 10th inning overshadowed the clutch swing and handed the Birmingham Barons (19-23, 45-66) another walk-off win on Thursday night at Regions Field.
Decisive Plays: Columbus took the first lead for the third-straight game with a two-run single from Carson Taylor in the fourth inning. Birmingham three times in the fifth inning and took the lead on an RBI double from Anthony DePino. A leadoff home run in the eighth inning from James Taussig inflated the Barons advantage to 6-2.
Columbus found itself down to its final out in the ninth inning, but Dalton McIntyre hustled to break out what could have been a game-ending groundout to extend the inning. John Gil singled and Eric Harmtan drove in a run with a single to bring Groshans to the plate. He smashed a three-run home run (21) to tie the game at 6-6.
The Clingstones did not capitalize on their second chance, failing to score in the top of the 10th. Birmingham did, as a wild pitch from LJ McDonough sailed to the backstop and scored Dylan Campbell to give the Barons another walk-off win.
Key Contributors: Groshans (2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI) saved Columbus on offense while Taylor (2-for-4, 2 RBI) sparked the early scoring. For Birmingham, Taussig (1-for-5, HR, RBI) provided key insurance with his home run.
Notable: Columbus lost in walk-off fashion for the fourth time this season, and second time in three games. Groshans recorded his second game-tying home run with two outs in the ninth inning at Regions Field, with the first happening on April 24 (solo home run). Columbus has lost all five of its extra-inning games in the second half this season.
Next Game (Friday, August 14): Columbus at Birmingham, 8:00 p.m. ET at Synovus Park. RHP Garrett Baumann (4-4, 4.95 ERA) will start for Columbus opposed by LHP Shane Murphy (3-0, 3.05 ERA) for Birmingham. Radio Broadcast: 7:45 p.m. ET on SportsVisions 92.1 FM. Stream: Bally Sports Live.