The Columbus Clippers downed the Indianapolis Indians in the first inning for the second straight game, following up from last night’s seven-run opening frame with three runs tonight and a 4-2 win Wednesday at Victory Field.
The Clippers and Tribe are now tied for both the best record in the International League and first-place ranking in the IL West division.
Columbus sent eight batters to the plate in tonight’s opening inning, with five hitting safely and Zach Walters, Adam Moore and James Ramsey each plating a run.
Starter Chris Volstad then settled in and shouldered the load for a taxed Indianapolis pitching staff.
With the bullpen already logging 18 innings since Sunday, Volstad worked into the eighth frame on 123 pitches and just one additional run. The right-hander struck out five in the loss and moved into third in the league with 148 2/3 innings pitched on the season.
The Tribe rallied in the ninth to pull within 4-2 and move the potential tying run into scoring position, but its comeback stalled on a bases-loaded strikeout.
SOURCE: Indianapolis Indians