IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Clippers Slug Past Gwinnett, 12-8

Published on May 3, 2012 under International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


COLUMBUS, OH -The Gwinnett Braves came into Thursday's night game at Columbus leading the league in pitching with a 2.46 team ERA. It didn't seem that way by the time the game ended. The G-Braves' staff walked seven batters and gave up 11 hits in a 12-8 loss to the Clippers in game three of the four game series at Huntington Park.

Gwinnett actually struck first as Josh Wilson (1) and J.C. Boscan (2) hit back-to-back solo homers off of Columbus starter Kevin Slowey with two outs in the top of the second.

However, G-Braves' starter Yohan Flande, who had retired the first six men he faced, ran into trouble in the bottom of the third. He gave up three hits and, combined with a throwing error from third baseman Drew Sutton, allowed the Clippers to score three times to take the lead for good.

Leading 3-2, Columbus would chase away Flande in the bottom of the fifth. Flande was replaced by Adam Russell out of the bullpen, but the tall right-hander would not fare much better. By the time the half-inning ended, the Clippers were up 9-2, had sent 11 men to the plate, scored six more runs on six hits, three walks and another Gwinnett error.

However, now in a seven-run hole, the G-Braves' offense came alive. Slowey, since giving up the back to back solo shots in the second, had retired 10 in a row. But in the top of the sixth, Jose Constanza led off with a walk, Sutton singled to put two on and Stefan Gartrell (4) launched a three run homer to left to cut the Clippers' lead to 9-5. The G-Braves added another run as Christian Marrero doubled to left-center and scored on a double by Wilson. The Braves trailed by only three at 9-6 heading to the bottom of the sixth.

But Braves' pitching again faltered two innings later, as Jason Rice gave up three runs in the bottom of the eighth on two hits, three walks and two wild pitches. The two teams headed to the ninth with the Clippers in command, 12-6.

The Braves did not give in so easily. They loaded the bases against left-hander Scott Barnes in the top of the ninth as Constanza reached on a fielder's choice, Sutton singled and Gartrell walked. Columbus called upon right-hander Chris Ray to get out of the jam, but he gave up a two-run double to Ernesto Mejia, cutting the Clippers lead to 12-8. Jordan Parraz attempted to keep the rally going, but Ray struck him out to end the game.

Flande (L, 1-1) lasted 4.1 innings in his first defeat of the season. He gave up five hits, seven run-six earned-while walking two and striking out two. Russell worked 0.2 innings allowing four hits and two earned runs. Erik Cordier was the G-Braves' only effective pitcher with two scoreless innings, a walk and a strikeout. Rice worked the eighth with two hits, three earned runs, three walks and two wild pitches while striking out two.

For Columbus, Slowey (W, 2-2) went 5.2 innings for the win. He gave up seven hits and six earned runs while walking one and striking out five. Frank Herrmann went 1.1 scoreless innings; Barnes worked 1.2 innings with two hits, two earned runs, three walks and two strikeouts. Ray closed out the final 0.1 inning with one hit and one strikeout.

Offensively, Gartrell hits his third homer in as many games, going 1-for-3 with three RBI. Sutton was 2-for-5, Wilson finished 2-for-4 with two RBI and Marrero was also 2-for-4. Boscan, Mejia and Constanza each had one hit.

For the Clippers, Gregorio Petit was the hitting star, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored. Chad Huffman and Andy LaRoche were each 2-for-5 and Ezequiel Carrera was 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.

The Gwinnett Braves (18-9) and Columbus Clippers (15-12) conclude the four-game series on Friday night at Huntington Park, first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Todd Redmond (2-2, 3.04) will get the start for the G-Braves, while the Clippers counter with right-hander Corey Kluber (3-1, 2.67). Listen to the broadcast on WDUN AM 550 in Gainesville, Georgia with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play.

Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

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International League Stories from May 3, 2012


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