Clippers sink Saints 7-3 behind five-run first inning
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Clippers scored five runs in the first inning and made that hold up in a 7-3 victory over the St. Paul Saints on Sunday afternoon at Huntington Park.
The Saints got off to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Andrew Stevenson extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a single to center. He stole second and third and scored on a sacrifice lineout by Jose Miranda.
The Clippers sent nine men to the plate in the bottom of the inning against Saints pitcher Randy Dobnak. The first three hitters — Richie Palacios, Brayan Rocchio and Zach Collins — all singled. Collins drove in the first run, then Daniel Schneeman gave the Clippers a 3-1 lead with a two-run single to right-center. With two outs, Reynel Delgado made it 5-1 with a two-run double to left-center.
The Saints (23-20) turned to their bullpen for the final seven innings and their relievers were tremendous. The Clippers got to Ronny Henriquez in the second inning, but after that they shut it down. Palacios led off with a walk and two batters later Collins made it 7-1 with a two-run homer to center, his ninth of the season.
Jair Camargo launched a solo homer to right-center in the top of the third, his fourth of the season, getting the Saints to within 7-2. The Saints got another solo homer in the seventh from Chris Williams, his fifth of the season, cutting the deficit to 7-3.
After the second inning the Saints bullpen of Henriquez, Austin Brice, Austin Schulfer, Oliver Ortega and Cody Laweryson worked 6.0 hitless, shutout innings while walking two and striking out seven.
Royce Lewis went 0 for 4 in his fourth Major League rehab game with the Saints.
The Saints didn’t leave a runner on base for the first time in franchise history/
St. Paul is off Monday, then returns to action Tuesday, beginning a six-game homestand against the Omaha Storm Chasers at 11:07 a.m.