The Clips again took care of business down south last night, demolishing Charlotte 6-0 in the first game of a four game set. Joe Martinez (4.91 ERA) shined in his first start (5 IP, 5 H, BB, 5 K) as a nominal member of the rotation to pick up his first win of the season, Carlton Smith extended his perfect April to 11.2 innings (14 K) and Berger baffled the Knights with six strikeouts in his two innings to finish up.
Luis Valbuena (.300), elevated to the #2 hole, got Columbus started with a first inning solo shot. Jason Kipnis (.253) tripled (his 3rd already) in a run, Paul Phillips (.313) had three hits and scored a pair and both Travis Buck (.345) and Chad Huffman (.301) provided two hits and an RBI apiece. The offense is scorching hot, averaging 6.8 runs per game over the current ten game win streak. Huffman has led the way batting .444 with a 1.439 OPS during the streak.
The Clippers get right back at it with 2:15p first pitch. David Huff takes to the hill.
Other Minor Points of Interest --
Adam Miller's first regualr season appearance in three years could have gone better. Miller lasted only one inning, giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk. Adam gave up a two run dong and struck out one. While a clean inning would have been nice, the more important issue is that Miller made the appearance period. Having come all the way back from a bizarre finger issue and an experimental surgery, Adam had the entire organization behind him and will get every opportunity for success.
Kyle Blair continued to impress for the Captains. Blair's fifth pro start lasted five innings and was marred only by a solo home run and a single. Kyle (2.63) recorded ten ground ball outs and K'ed a pair. The opposition is hitting .230 off of the 21 year old right hander and he appears to be first in line for a promotion when the dominoes start to fall.
