CLIPPERS TAKE CONTROL OF EOAC WITH WIN OVER SOUTHERN

SALINEVILLE, OH- Columbiana (6-1, 4-0 EOAC) traveled to Southern Local (6-4, 4-1) to kick off a two-game set on Tuesday afternoon.  Both teams entered the contest undefeated in the league and looking to keep pace with Lisbon who also owns a perfect league record.  The Clippers took care of business posting a 4-0 win over the Indians to remain perfect in the EOAC.

Columbiana took the early lead in the second inning.  After loading the bases with no one out a fielding miscue by Southern would allow the first run to score.  The Indians would buckle down though and not allow another run in the frame.

Columbiana would tack on an insurance run in the 4th.  With two out Brady Dixon lined a single to right that the right fielder misplayed allowing Dixon to reach second.  Pinch-runner Eddie Clancy would come around to score after Seth Spooner lined a single to left with two strikes giving the Clippers a 2-0 advantage.

In the 5th, Columbiana added two more runs as Logan Hoschar singled to left center scoring Brady Kridler and Tyler Andersen who had each singled earlier in the inning.

Four runs were all that starting pitcher Alex Eusebio (2-0) would need, as he held the Indians at by all night long.  Eusebio earned his second complete-game victory pitching seven innings allowing only one hit while striking out eight.

Offensively, Columbiana tallied 10 hits including two-hit days by Spooner and Joey Wilczak.

Columbiana and Southern will conclude their two-game set Wednesday afternoon at Firestone Park.  First pitch is scheduled for 5 PM.

*Story contributed by Ryan Wolf