Playoff Recap 9/11: Clippers Win, Date Set In Finals

Right-hander Paolo Espino

Clippers win big, head to Governor's Cup finals
The Clippers will play in the Governor's Cup final for the first time since 1997, thanks to a series-clinching 11-5 victory over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees on Saturday afternoon. Columbus last won a International League title in 1996.

Trailing 1-0, the Clippers scored three runs in the third, capped off by Drew Sutton's two-out, two-run single. That was just the start of a big day for the offense.

After the Yankees got one run back in the bottom of the third, Columbus scored seven times in the fourth. The slobber-knocking frame included a three-run home run from Josh Rodriguez and a two-run single by Wes Hodges that chased Yankees starter Hector Noesi. Later in the inning, Jared Head was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Damaso Espino added a sacrifice fly.

Noesi gave up nine runs, all earned, while recording just 10 outs. On the other side, Paolo Espino pitched great with the lead. He allowed just the two early runs, scattering five hits while striking out six.

For good measure, the Clippers added another run in the sixth, when Sutton singled home Hodges. All nine Columbus starters recorded at least one hit, and the team combined for 16.

Down 11-2, the Yankees scored three runs in the eighth against reliever Carlton Smith, two of which came on an Edwar Gonzalez homer. Josh Judy came on for the last out of the eighth, and stayed in to pitch the ninth.

Columbus is off now until Tuesday, when they'll host the winner of the Louisville/Durham series. The Bats hold a 2-1 lead in that series, heading into Saturday night's game four in Durham.

Captains Playoff Game Rescheduled for Sunday Afternoon

Game one of the Eastern Division Finals between the Lake County Captains and Great Lakes Loons was postponed due to rain. The game will be rescheduled for Sunday afternoon at 1:00PM at Classic Park.

Fans with tickets from Saturday nights playoff game can use redeemed at the box office for a ticket to Sunday afternoon’s contest. Game two will be Monday night at 7:05PM in Great Lakes. Game three if necessary will be Tuesday September 14th at 7:05PM in Great Lakes.

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