CLIPPERS LOOK IMPRESSIVE WITH WIN OVER HOWLAND

COLUMBIANA OH- Columbiana (2-0) picked up a big non-conference 2-1 win over Howland (0-1) Thursday afternoon.  After three scoreless frames, Columbiana struck first plating two runs in the fourth inning.  Alex Eusebio got things started with a one out single to right.  Eddie Clancy followed with another single to right moving Eusebio to second.  After a strikeout both runners would move up on a wild pitch to Trevor Dearing.  Eusebio would then score on the next pitch as it also got past the Tiger catcher.  Dearing followed with a single to right knocking in Clancy giving the Clippers the early lead.

Howland would plate a run in the sixth on a wild pitch and in the seventh would get a runner to third but starting pitcher Zach Pleska would strike out the final Tiger hitter looking to end the threat and pick up the complete game victory.

Pleska (1-0) pitched a gem needing only 88 pitches in his seven innings of work.  Pleska struck out nine while scattering four hits.  Pleksa was also helped by exceptional defense by the Clippers.  Alex Eusebio made two outstanding plays on slow rollers at third.  Devin Daugherty and Eddie Clancy were solid up the middle turning a double play and converting all their chances.  Brady Kridler also made key plays at first throughout the contest.

Offensively, the Clippers collected five hits on the afternoon while walking three times.  In addition to Eusebio, Clancy and Dearing’s singles in the fourth, Seth Spooner and Devin Daugherty each also singled.

Next up for the Clippers will be Western Reserve.  Columbiana travels to Berlin Center on Saturday for a 2 PM start.