Lopez's Walk-Off Single Leads Bats over Clippers
Published on July 30, 2022 under International League (IL)
Louisville Bats News Release
LOUISVILLE, KY - Alejo Lopez hit a walk-off infield single in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead the Louisville Bats to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Clippers Saturday night at Louisville Slugger Field.
With Isiah Gilliam at third base and two outs in the ninth, Lopez hit a soft line drive to the left side of the infield. Clippers' third baseman Gabriel Arias fielded the ball on a hop and made a strong throw to first, but Lopez beat it out by a step allowing Gilliam to score and win the game.
The Bats opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning, loading the bases with one out before Chris Okey's sacrifice fly scored Colin Moran to give Louisville the early lead.
The game remained 1-0 until the bottom of the sixth inning thanks to Brandon Williamson's outstanding start for the Bats. The 24-year-old struck out two and held the Clippers off the board in his fifth start for the year for Louisville.
In that sixth inning, Aristides Aquino hit a solo home run to extend the Bats' lead to 2-0. It was Aquino's eighth long ball of the season.
After Williamson exited, Matt Pidich struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning. Columbus scored a run in the eighth inning off Eddy Demurias to make it a 2-1 game, but Fernando Cruz came in and got out of a bases-loaded jam to hold the lead.
In the top of the ninth, Arias' sacrifice fly scored Tyler Freeman and tied the game for the Clippers, which only set the stage for Lopez's heroics in the bottom of the inning.
The Clippers and Bats will play the finale of their six-game series Sunday afternoon at Louisville Slugger Field. Justin Nicolino will start for Louisville (2-3, 6.23 ERA), opposing Konnor Pilkington (0-0, 6.38 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.
International League Stories from July 30, 2022
- Trio of Homers Help Stripers Beat Jacksonville 6-3 - Gwinnett Stripers
- Daz Devastates Indianapolis with Clutch Hits - Toledo Mud Hens
- Talley's Eighth-Inning Blast Leads Bisons to Victory over Worcester - Buffalo Bisons
- Knights Beat the Sounds 7-5 on Saturday Night - Charlotte Knights
- Big Second Inning Leads Saints to 7-1 Victory over I-Cubs - St. Paul Saints
- Mengden Throws Team-Leading Fourth Quality Start in Win over Syracuse - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Walks Haunt for I-Cubs in 7-1 Loss - Iowa Cubs
- Encarnacion Homers but Jacksonville Falls to Gwinnett - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Talley's Late Homer Lifts Bisons over WooSox - Worcester Red Sox
- Sounds' Win Streak Snapped by Knights - Nashville Sounds
- Indians' Ninth Inning Comeback Falls Short in Extra Innings - Indianapolis Indians
- Grenier's Blast Not Enough to Boost Tides to Win - Norfolk Tides
- Late-Inning Rally Seals Come-From-Behind Win over Norfolk - Memphis Redbirds
- Grenier's Blast Not Enough to Boost Tides to Win - Norfolk Tides
- Bulls Late Comeback Attempt Falls Short in Game 5 - Durham Bulls
- Trio of Homers Help Stripers Beat Jacksonville 6-3 - Gwinnett Stripers
- 'Pigs Back in the Win Column - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Wings' Comeback Bid Falls Short - Rochester Red Wings
- RailRiders Win Fifth Straight - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Lopez's Walk-Off Single Leads Bats over Clippers - Louisville Bats
- Rochester Red Wings Post-Game Notes - 7.30 - Rochester Red Wings
- Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp: Leblanc Doubles in Major League Debut - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Bobb Vergiels Calls 4000th Game - Toledo Mud Hens
- Bisons Game Notes - Buffalo vs. Worcester (6:05 p.m.) - Buffalo Bisons
- July 30 Game Notes: Iowa Cubs at St. Paul Saints - Iowa Cubs
- 7.30.22 Game Information: Indianapolis Indians (45-49) at Toledo Mud Hens (48-47) - Indianapolis Indians
- SWB RailRiders Game Notes - 073022 - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Lehigh Valley IronPigs Game Notes - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Norfolk Game Notes - Norfolk Tides
- Rochester Red Wings Game Notes - July 30 vs. Scranton-W/B - 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.
