Playoff Recaps 9/7: Columbus pitches a shutout in opener

Zach McAllister (Photo: AP)

Columbus pitches a shutout in playoff opener

The Clippers took the opening game of their first-round playoff series by beating the Durham Bulls behind a dominating pitching performance, solid defense, and the bat of Chad Huffman.

Huffman gave the Clippers a two-run lead in the fourth with a solo blast over the left-center field fence. He gave them another insurance run in the sixth, driving home Jared Goedert with an RBI double. The other Clippers run scored in the first thanks to a Beau Mills' double.

Zach McAllister threw six scoreless innings, allowing five hits and striking out three. Chen Chang Lee retired all six batters he faced in relief and Zach Putnam struck out the side in the ninth to pick up the save.

Durham's biggest threat came in the fifth when they loaded the bases with one out. McAllister struck out J.J. Furmaniak and then retired Tim Beckham thanks to a diving catch by Travis Buck.

The best of five series continues in Durham Thursday at 7:05 PM. Mitch Talbot and Chris Archer are the scheduled starters.

Kinston drops series opener

With 4-1 loss in the Southern Division Championship Series opener in Myrtle Beach, Kinston fell to 0-1 in the best of five series. The Indians trailed the entire way but it wasn't until Myrtle Beach added two insurance runs in the eighth inning that the outcome was solidified.

With one man on in the second inning, Vinnie DiFazio continued his tyrannous reign over the K-Tribe by plating the first runs of the contest. The Pelicans backstop belted a two run home run, putting the birds on top 2-0. In 12 regular season games facing the K-Tribe, DiFazio batted .342 with a team leading four home runs.

In the third inning, Kinston sliced the lead in half. Tyler Holt drew a lead-off walk and then stole second base, his 36th swipe of the season and second of the night. Adam Abraham then singled Holt home, but Abraham was cut down at second as he tried to get the extra base on the throw. The RBI by Abraham made the score 2-1 Myrtle Beach. Pelicans starting pitcher Justin Grimm got the win.

Kinston's starter Clayton Cook had a quality start for the Indians, but was the tough luck losing pitcher. Cook pitched five innings allowing just two runs and striking out six Pelicans. Cook's overall record goes to (9-10) and he falls to (0-1) in the playoffs.

Chris Jones worked one inning of relief before Kyle Landis appeared in the seventh.

The Kinston Indians and Myrtle Beach Pelicans will resume their Carolina League Southern Division Championship Series Thursday Night at BB&T Coastal Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm.

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