COLUMBUS, OH - It was "Copa Night" at Huntington Park, as "Los Veleros de Columbus" took on the Omaha Storm Chasers on a pleasant night for baseball in the Arena District. Columbus fell 8-2, but one of the hottest-hitting prospects in the game delivered a memorable moment in his first at-bat of the evening.
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the 2nd, top Guardians prospect Ralphy Velazquez just missed hitting it over the wall in center field before turning on the jets and racing home with a thrilling inside-the-park home run.
After giving up three runs in the top of the 4th, Columbus got one back when Kyle Manzardo clubbed his second round-tripper since joining the Clippers earlier this month. The score was 4-2 after four.
The Storm Chasers got another run in the top of the 5th, but the damage was limited thanks to right fielder Alfonsin Rosario. Omaha's Matthew Lugo tried to score from second on a single, but Rosario gunned him down as he slid in at home, leaving a crusty streak of Huntington Park dirt across the plate as he was tagged out by catcher Cooper Ingle.
With another run added to the lead in the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings, Omaha pulled away from los Veleros.
The loss gives Columbus an overall record this season of 61-54, while Omaha improves to 56-59.
The series against Omaha continues on Friday. It is sure to be a fun night of Arena District entertainment. Don't miss $5 Friday Beer Night, where you can get small select domestic drafts for just five bucks. Friday night will also have a special appearance by digestive legend Joey Chestnut, who will greet fans for photos and participate in a post-game eating challenge. 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.
