IL1 Louisville Bats

Bats fall to Clippers

Published on April 28, 2008 under International League (IL1)
Louisville Bats News Release


LOUISVILLE, KY - Matching the second-longest game in franchise history, the Louisville Bats lost to the Columbus Clippers 5-2 in 17 innings on Monday night in a game that took four hours and 58 minutes. After using four relief pitchers, the Bats were forced to go to first basemen Kevin Barker on the mound in the 17th, and the Clippers got to him with three runs, as Javi Herrera singled home the two go-ahead runs, followed by Ray Olmedo's RBI groundout.

The Bats drew first blood after a 35-minute rain delay when Barker got his ninth RBI on a sacrifice fly in the first inning to score Andy Green, who had led off the game with a walk.

In the top of the third, the Clippers took the lead with a two-run inning when Garrett Guzman tripled home Pete Orr, then later scored on a groundout RBI by Jason Dubois.

Columbus' 2-1 lead stood until the ninth, although Louisville had several opportunities to tie or take the lead, but could not convert, as they stranded 15 men on base. In every inning from the fourth through the seventh, the Bats put a runner in scoring position, but could not capitalize. They also left the bases loaded in the 12th inning.

For the second time in the series, Louisville hung a blown save on Columbus closer Brian Sanchez, who had been 4-4 in save opportunities this year before coming to Louisville Slugger Field. After Andy Phillips and Jolbert Cabrera singled to lead off the ninth, Chris Dickerson tied the game with an RBI single, extending his hitting streak to six games with a three-hit night.

The bullpens for each team held the opposing team scoreless from the tenth through the sixteenth, as Gary Majewski, Danny Herrera, and Jim Brower each pitched two innings of scoreless relief for the Bats, while Jon Adkins pitched three. Louisville's bullpen was particularly stellar, only allowing one runner into scoring position over the course of the six extra frames before the 17th.

Chris Schroder (2-0, 1.08) worked two innings of scoreless relief to get the win, while Mike Bacsik pitched the 17th for the save.

Both starting pitchers fared well, although neither factored in the decision. Bats starter Adam Pettyjohn (2-0, 4.55) went seven innings, giving up four hits and two earned runs, while fanning three. Tyler Clippard (0-3, 5.61) went six innings for the Clippers, allowing two hits and one unearned run, striking out four and allowing four walks. All in all, the Clippers recorded 20 strikeouts.

Tuesday evening will be the fourth game of a five-game homestand for the Bats, and the first of a two-game set between Louisville and the division leading Toledo Mud Hens, who are currently on a six-game winning streak. Taking the mound for the Bats will be RHP Justin Lehr (3-0, 1.33) whose ERA ranks seventh in the International League, while the Mud Hens will counter with RHP Eddie Bonine (4-0, 2.73), who is tied for the league lead in wins.

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International League Stories from April 28, 2008


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