Clippers Drop Season Opener
April 1, 2024 - International League (IL)
Columbus Clippers News Release
After waiting an extra 24 hours to start the season due to unplayable field conditions on Friday, The St Paul Saints rode a power wave to beat the Clippers 8-1 on Opening Day of the 2024 campaign.
Three home runs powered the Saints on Saturday evening at CHS Field. The first came in the bottom of the second inning off the bat of Alex Isola. Isola's 3-run shot started a barrage for St Paul which continued with another 3-run home run from Yoyner Fajardo coming in the bottom of the 4th.
Both blasts came off of Clippers starter Will Dion, making his Triple-A debut. The Clippers lefty suffered the loss Saturday, allowing seven runs on five hits. Dion walked four and struck out six in 4.2 innings of work. Three Clippers relievers combined to go the final 3.1 innings, with the only other run coming on the 3rd St Paul home run, a solo blast from Juan Miranda against Tanner Burns in the bottom of the 7th.
The Clippers scored their only run in the top of the 7th inning when Daniel Schneemann blasted an RBI double to plate Jhonkensey Noel.
The Saints pitching was sharp, with only one hit allowed through the first six innings. Starter David Festa went three innings, with Randy Dobnak earning the win with 4.0 innings of relief, allowing the Clippers only run. Columbus managed only three hits while St Paul pitchers struck out 13 Clippers on the night.
The shortened series concludes on Sunday with a first pitch scheduled for 3:07pm ET at CHS Field in St Paul, MN.
International League Stories from April 1, 2024
- Let's Make a Deal: Twins Trade with Blue Jays for Infielder Morris, Assign him to St. Paul - St. Paul Saints
- WooSox Players Gain Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience in Inaugural Dominican Republic Series - Worcester Red Sox
- Sounds Announce "Know Before You Go" Reminders for 2024 Season - Nashville Sounds
- DBAP to Host Wake Forest, UNC-Wilmington Tuesday, April 16th - Durham Bulls
- On Deck at the Vic: Daily Deals and Total Solar Eclipse Weekend Highlight Opening Homestand - Indianapolis Indians
- 2024 Charlotte Knights Season Guide - Charlotte Knights
- Series Preview: Memphis Redbirds vs. Indianapolis Indians, April 2-7 - Indianapolis Indians
- Clippers Fall in Extras in St. Paul - Columbus Clippers
- Clippers Drop Season Opener - Columbus Clippers
- Mud Hens Weekly No. 1: April 1, 2024 - Toledo Mud Hens
- Spice up Your Summer: Tacos and Margaritas Event Coming to CHS Field May 25 - St. Paul Saints
- Homestand Highlights: Stripers Celebrate 15 Years in Gwinnett to Open 2024 Season - Gwinnett Stripers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
