CLIPPERS SMILING BIG AFTER WIN OVER EAGLES
COLUMBIANA, OH- For the most part, Wednesday’s Game 2 of the Columbiana-United series was very similar to Tuesday’s Game 1… A pitchers’ duel. Fortunately for the Clippers, some insurance in the bottom of the 6th inning did help change the circumstances a little bit from what they were on Tuesday night. Columbiana Junior Devin Daugherty and United Senior Nevin Hahlen went toe to toe for the first 3 innings of Wednesday’s game. The first runs of the game would not come until the bottom of the 4th inning when the Clippers would finally break through thanks to another clutch hit by Junior Colin Keleman to bring in Daugherty (reached via walk). Another single by Junior Ian Less would drive in Keleman to extend the Clippers’ lead to 2-0. However, United was not going to go away easily, as they turned around and scored 1 of their own in the next half inning, via a Smith RBI single.
It would be in the bottom of 6th when the Clippers finally took control of the game for good. Four consecutive hits to start the inning would ultimately be the last push needed for Columbiana; a leadoff single by Junior Alex Eusebio, an RBI double by Daugherty, an RBI single by Keleman, and a single by Less (his 3rd of the game). Pinch-running for Keleman, Senior Blake Nusser would score the 5th and final run for the Clippers on an RBI fielder’s choice by Junior Anthony Hall.
Daugherty’s strong 9 strikeout performance, stellar defense, and timely hitting were the Clippers’ keys to victory in this one. Columbiana sweeps the EOAC series with United, and they will look to build on their success against a strong non-conference opponent in West Branch on Thursday.
*Story contributed by Bryce Franken
Columbiana 5, United 1
Visitor (L) 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 – 1 5 2
Home (W) 0 0 0 2 0 3 x – 5 7 0
WIN: Devin Daugherty (9 strikeouts, 7.0 IP)
LOSS: Nevin Hahlen (7 strikeouts, 6.0 IP)
TWO OR MORE HITS: Columbiana- Colin Keleman (2), Ian Less (3); United- Parker Newburn (2)
DOUBLES: Columbiana- Devin Daugherty; United- N/A
TRIPLES: N/A
HOME RUNS: N/A
TWO OR MORE RBIs: N/A
