On Tuesday, the Columbus Clippers opened a six-game home series with the Indianapolis Indians after spending two weeks on the road. The pitching staff suffered no road lag, holding the Indians to just one run in 11 innings, and the Clippers scored in the bottom of the 11th to win, 2-1.

Columbus starter Doug Nikhazy set the tone for the Clippers. He allowed only one run on one hit in his 4.1 innings of work, striking out five while issuing six walks. Tanner Burns followed up with 1.2 scoreless innings, fanning four.

The Columbus relief corps then ratcheted things up in the final six innings. Connor Gillispie, Franco Aleman, and Andrew Walters each went an inning without allowing a hit. Erik Sabrowski (8-1) earned the win, going the final two scoreless innings, not allowing a hit and recording all six outs with strikeouts.

The Clippers fell behind when Indianapolis posted a single run in the fifth inning. They knotted the game in the seventh on Kyle Manzardo’s solo home run, a line drive over the right field wall. It was his 18th long ball of the season.

It took until the bottom of the 11th inning before the 1-1 score would be “untied”. Myles Straw was the runner placed on second base to begin the inning. Christian Cairo singled with one out to drive in Straw and nab the victory.

The loss was charged to Geronimo Franzua (4-6), who faced only two Columbus batters. Both pitching staffs had strong outings, each giving up only four hits on the evening. 

The Clippers and Indians get back to work in short order with an afternoon game Wednesday. Logan Allen (3-1) gets the start for Columbus and will face Mike Burrows (0-1). The first pitch is slated for 12:05 p.m.