COLUMBUS, OH - After seeing an early lead disappear, the Columbus Clippers came off the mat Wednesday to soundly defeat the visiting Omaha Storm Chasers, 15-7. Columbus got two home runs apiece from Ralphy Velazquez and David Fry plus a late blast from Kody Huff on a night dominated by the hitters.
Weather conditions early in the day threatened the start of Wednesday's contest at Huntington Park, but the best grounds crew in the business was up to the challenge. First pitch took place on time at 7:05pm.
The Clippers wasted little time making the Omaha pitching staff look like a bunch of schmucks. Columbus jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the 1st inning when Fry and Kyle Manzardo singled in runs before Velazquez crushed a three-run bomb onto Nationwide Blvd.
Fry got another run home in the bottom of the 2nd with a sacrifice fly.
Despite the great start, Columbus fell behind by the top of the 5th inning, 7-6. In the bottom half of the 5th, the game swung on one pitch when Velazquez deposited another no-doubter deep into the night sky, a two-run jack that regained the lead for the Clippers.
An inning later, Fry crushed a three-run homer into the left-field bleachers to give Columbus a four-run advantage.
Fry wasn't done. He hit a solo shot in the 8th inning to bring the score to 12-7. Then Huff went yard with two men on, leaving little doubt at that point which team would be victorious.
Right-handed reliever Daniel Espino closed the door in the 9th inning to seal the deal for the Clippers.
The victory gives Columbus an overall record this season of 61-53, while Omaha falls to 55-59.
The series against Omaha continues on Thursday as the Clippers transform into Los Veleros de Columbus for "Copa Night" to honor a culture that is passionate about baseball, family, and fun. There's lots on tap this weekend starting with $5 Friday Beer Night, with a special appearance by digestive legend Joey Chestnut! Saturday is Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Night, and Sunday is Family Day presented by Medical Mutual. Get Clippers tickets with lower online fees than ever at ClippersBaseball.com.
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