CLIPPERS SHOW NO SIGNS OF LETTING UP

COLUMBIANA OH- Tuesday’s matchup in Lisbon between the Blue Devils and Columbiana Clippers had all the makings of a ‘trap’ game.  The Clippers came in fresh off an emotional 1-0 win over United in the first battle of EOAC co-leaders on Monday.  On the horizon was the next game against United, on Wednesday night that will likely determine the EOAC Champion.  And after three innings, it wasn’t looking good for the Clippers who were down 5-0 and feeling a bit trapped while facing Lisbon’s ace, Brady Carpenter.

But at that point, the top of the fourth, something clicked for the Clips who sent 17 batters to the plate and scored 11 runs. The big hits were a two run triple from Alex Eusebio and a two run single from Devin Daugherty.  The Clippers also received singles from Colin Keleman, Ian Less and Anthony Hall while the Blue Devils suffered through 6 walks and five errors. By the end of the inning Columbiana was on top of the Blue Devils 11-5 and were on their way to their 13th victory of the season.

Winning pitcher, Colin Keleman came on in the third and went four innings giving up one run, scattering five hits and striking out five while not issuing a walk in relief of Clipper starter Sam Inboden.  The Clippers were led by Alex Eusebio who went 3-4 with a triple and four RBIs, Devin Daugherty and Anthony Hall each had two hits and two RBIs apiece.  Reese Roush also contributed 3 RBI’s.

For Lisbon, Gage Owens had two hits and an RBI, Brady Carpenter also had two hits, while Ryan Carpenter hit a ground rule double that knocked in a run.  Logan Sturgeon and Aidan Myers each had a hit and an RBI.

Columbiana is now 13-7 overall and 9-0 in the EOAC and will be home Wednesday to complete the series with United.  Lisbon falls to 7-7 overall, 3-4 in the EOAC and will be home on Wednesday with Leetonia.