COLUMBUS, OH - The Columbus Clippers won for the third time in four days against the visiting Omaha Storm Chasers on Saturday night, 7-2.
Inclement weather briefly delayed the first pitch, and nearly cut things short in the 9th inning, but the over 7,500 fans in attendance were treated to a solid performance by the Clippers.
Right-hander Rorik Maltrud (5-1) was strong over 6.0 innings, allowing just one run while striking out seven. But it was once again the hitters that led the way for Andy Tracy's club.
For most of this week's series, the Omaha pitching staff has looked like a cupcake opponent for the mighty Clippers batting lineup, and on Saturday the trend continued as Columbus banged out nine more hits.
Things got rolling in the bottom of the 4th inning when the Clippers used all sorts of ways to piece together a five-run rally. Kody Huff's RBI-double tied the game 1-1. Alfonsin Rosario walked in the next run with the bases loaded, and then after a successful ABS-challenged by Dayan Frias extended his at-bat, he walked in another run to make it 3-1. Blake Perkins scampered home with the fourth run on a passed ball, and Rosario scored on a groundout to give the Clippers a 5-1 edge.
Perkins came up again an inning later and doubled home Ralphy Velazquez to nudge the lead up to five runs. David Fry drove in another run in the 6th.
The victory gives Columbus an overall record this season of 63-54, while Omaha falls to 56-61.
The series against Omaha concludes Sunday, which is Family Day presented by Medical Mutual. Bring your kids early - the first 500 kids get a bell courtesy of Dor-Mar. And stay after the game for the Sunday Fun Run Around the Bases (weather permitting). Get Clippers tickets with lower online fees than ever at ClippersBaseball.com.
