Clip & Dirty: 6/28

The Clippers took part in a back and forth affair against the Gwinnett Braves last night. The Clippers fell behind in the 2nd and were unable to score until they broke through for a run in the 6th to tie it, 1-1. They fell behind again in the top of the 8th, only to take their first lead in the bottom of the inning on a 2-run homer by Jared Goedert. However, the Clippers blew the lead in the 9th by allowing two runs (only one earned) and were unable to counter-punch in the 9th. The final tally was 4-3; Josh Tomlin pitched brilliantly and the offense scored just enough to give the team a chance to win, but bullpen woes sunk another Indians organization team's chance at winning.

Team Pitching: 4(3) R(ER), 8H, 2BB, HBP, 7K, 71% strikes

Josh Tomlin pitched exceedingly well once again and deserved to get the win for his efforts. Eight innings pitched, 6H, 1BB, 6K, 71% strikes. His batted ball breakdown was 9GB, 8FB, 4LD and 3IFFB to go along with the HBP. BB and 6K. Tomlin's success should come as no surprise as he generated a good number of ground balls, didn't give up free bases, and continued his career long ability (16.2% IFFB) to induce infield fly balls. This comes at the cost of having a dangerously high fly ball rate, but pairing a career 7.6 K/9 and only 1.85 BB/9 along side this allows for a fly ball pitcher to have better success.

Vinnie Pestano came on and allowed the first 3 men to reach base before inducing a pair of groundouts and striking out the final batter. However, the damage was done as Pestano took the Loss after allowing one earned run and one unearned run on a missed catch error by Bixler on the bases-loaded groundout.

Team Hitting: 3R, 8H, 4XBH, 3BB, 5SO

The Clippers just couldn't find it tonight and seemed to snuff out rallies with a double play ball or just be unable to string their hits and walks together. Jared Goedert was the almost-hero as he blasted the would-be game winner before the bullpen was unable to hold up their end of the bargain. Cord Phelps and Wes Hodges each had a pair of hits and Luis Valbuena went 1-2 with a HR and 2BB. For those of you keeping track, he's only 24.

The Clippers (46-32) will take begin their 2-game series with the Indianapolis Indians against a TBA starter. The Clippers will send David Huff (1-0, 2.35) to the hill in his second start since being sent back to Columbus to work himself back into form.