CLIPPERS DEFEAT RAILRIDERS 2-1

Clippers Stymie RailRiders in Series Opener

SWB Misses on Bases-Loaded Chance in the Sixth

 

Moosic, Pa. – The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) dropped a 2-1 final to the Columbus Clippers on Tuesday night at PNC Field. The RailRiders (30-24) lost for the 18th time in 22 meetings with the Clippers (30-23).  11 of those losses to Columbus were by one run.

Johnny Barbato (0-1) shouldered the loss in relief after allowing an unearned run on a passed ball in his two innings of work. Ben Heller (1-1) earned his first Triple-A victory by hurling two perfect innings. Jeff Johnson notched his second save with a 1-2-3 ninth.

The Clippers jumped on SWB starter Tyler Webb in the first inning. Erik Gonzalez doubled to right and scored on single to center by Giovanny Urshela.

Donovan Solano scored the only run of the night for SWB in the fourth. The third baseman singled and advanced to third via groundout and wild pitch. A throwing error by Gonzalez from second allowed Solano to score.

The RailRIders biggest opportunity of the night came in the sixth. Against Clippers starter Cody Anderson, SWB loaded the bases on three straight singles from Chris Parmelee, Cesar Puello and Pete Kozma. The moment turned, however, as Anderson came back to strike out Eddy Rodriguez and Jonathan Diaz. Ben Gamel lined out to center, ending the rally.

Columbus scratched the winning run across in the eighth. Yandy Diaz singled and moved to second on a hit by Adam Moore. A groundout by Colin Cowgill moved the runners up and an ill-timed passed ball allowed Diaz to score.

The teams combined to strand 18 runners and finished 2-for-23 with men in scoring position.

Right-hander Luis Severino (0-6, 7.46-MLB) returns to start for the RailRiders on Friday night. Left-hander T.J. House (4-2, 4.50) will throw for Columbus. Game two of the series features a Greg Bird bobblehead giveaway to the first 2,500 fans, presented by NEPA Honda Dealers, and the first Jack Williams Fireworks Show of the season. Every Friday home game at PNC Field this summer is “Glow in the Park Night.” First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.