Daniel Espino Makes Long-Awaited Clippers Debut
Published on September 20, 2025 under International League (IL)
Columbus Clippers News Release
COLUMBUS, OH - On another gorgeous night for baseball in the Arena District, the Columbus Clippers transformed into the "Melonheads" as part of a Backyard Baseball theme night, losing to the Omaha Storm Chasers 8-7.
All eyes were on Columbus right-handed starting pitcher Daniel Espino, who was activated in time to make his first career appearance at the Triple-A level. Espino, former 1st round draft pick of the Guardians, has been battling back from injury for three years.
Just getting here was a huge victory for Espino. He threw 0.2 innings, allowing three hits and three runs (two of which scored on a home run after he departed), with a strikeout.
The Melonheads spent most of the day trying to erase the early deficit. Dom Nuñez hit a two-run double in the 2nd inning. Kody Huff clubbed a solo homer in the 4th, his sixth long ball this year. Then in the 8th, things got interesting when Nuñez went deep with a man on, which was followed by consecutive triples by Joe Lampe and Yordys Valdes to make the score 8-6. Kahlil Watson got in on the act too, singling in one more to make it a one-run affair.
With the loss on Saturday, Columbus drops to 29-43 in the 2025 "Second Half", and 63-81 overall this season.
The final game of the 2025 season at Huntington Park will begin at 1:05pm Sunday. It's Family Day! Bring the entire family for less than $20. Don't miss the Fan Appreciation Sale at the Clippers Cargo Shop on Sunday - 20% off everything in honor of the best fans in baseball (in-stadium only). Tickets are available at ClippersBaseball.com.
International League Stories from September 20, 2025
- Rios, Bats Deliver Dramatic Comeback Walkoff Victory, 9-8 - Louisville Bats
- Three-Run Eighth Sees 'Pigs Rally by Mets - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Late Home Run Lifts Jacksonville to Saturday Win against Norfolk - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Rutschman Homers In Front Of Sellout Crowd - Norfolk Tides
- Valencia's Three-Run Blast Powers Toledo to Victory over Iowa - Toledo Mud Hens
- I-Cubs Fall to Mud Hens 4-2 - Iowa Cubs
- Stripers Can't Come Through in the Clutch in 5-3 Loss to Indianapolis - Gwinnett Stripers
- Indy Prevails over Gwinnett in Penultimate Game of 2025 Season - Indianapolis Indians
- Knights End the Season with Win over the Durham Bulls - Charlotte Knights
- Chasers Walked off by Clippers - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Chasers Take Season Series over Clippers with 8-7 Win - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Daniel Espino Makes Long-Awaited Clippers Debut - Columbus Clippers
- Knights Best Bulls 3-2 in 2025 Season Finale - Durham Bulls
- Redbirds Drop Grizzlies Day Game at AutoZone Park to Saints - Memphis Redbirds
- Saints Finding Their Road Groove with 11-3 Trouncing of Redbirds - St. Paul Saints
- WooSox Late Homer Enough to Beat Red Wings - Rochester Red Wings
- September 20 Game Notes: Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mud Hens - Iowa Cubs
- Bisons Double up Scranton 4-2 on Saturday Afternoon - Buffalo Bisons
- RailRiders Doubled up at Buffalo - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Indians Offensive Onslaught Sinks Stripers - Indianapolis Indians
- Gainey Spins Gem as Bulls Beat Knights 5-1 in Game One of Twinbill - Durham Bulls
- Rochester Edges Worcester in 10-Innings, 8-7 - Worcester Red Sox
- SWB RailRiders Game Notes- September 20, 2025 - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Rochester Red Wings Game Notes - September 20 at Worcester - Rochester Red Wings
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.
