CLIPPERS COME UP JUST SHORT AGAINST TORONTO

COLUMBIANA, OH- Columbiana (7-7, 5-3 EOAC) dropped a close battle with Toronto Wednesday afternoon by a score of 3-2.  Chase Franken was the tough-luck loser as he pitched a complete game giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on six hits while striking out 8 and walking 2.

Columbiana would take the early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.  Franken led off the game with a double off Red Knight starter Nate Karaffa.  He would move to third on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI infield single by Ryan Fahs.

The Clippers would extend their lead in the bottom half of the second.  Seth Ross would draw a two-out walk and Franken followed with another double scoring Ross to give the Clippers the 2-0 lead.

That is all the offense the Clippers could muster until the seventh inning when Franken collected his third hit of the day with two outs but the Red Knights were able to hold on for the victory.

On the day Franken was 3-4 with 2 doubles, an RBI and a run scored.  With three hits Franken reached the 100 hit marker for his career.

The Clippers will close out the week Thursday afternoon as they head to Beaver Local.  First pitch is scheduled for 5 PM.

For Toronto Nate Karaffa pitched two innings giving up 2 runs, 3 hits and striking out 5.  Tristan Thomas got the win pitching 5 innings, 0 runs, 1 hit and striking out 5.

*Contributed by Ryan Wolf