Postseason play around the Minor Leagues continued Thursday night, with three Indians affiliates in action. Here's a look at each team's result...
Columbus (Triple-A)
After winning the opener of their best-of-five International League semifinal against the Durham Bulls, the Clippers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on a home run by first baseman Andy Ciriaco in the 2nd inning. Durham tied the game in the 4th, but Columbus pulled ahead again in the 5th, this time on a two-run single by Giovanny Urshela, which scored Dusty Brown and Francisco Lindor. Clippers starter Tyler Cloyd gave up two runs in 7 innings, with 7 strikeouts, and departed with a 3-2 lead, but the Bulls tied the game with one out in the 9th inning and went ahead in the 10th, leaving the Clippers with a 4-3 loss that ties the series at one game apiece.
Game 3 of the series is at 7:05 ET tonight at Durham's Athletic Park. Shaun Marcum (oh yeah... that guy!) is set to start for the Clippers.
Akron (Double-A)
The RubberDucks lost the opener of their best-of-five Eastern League semifinals against the Richmond Flying Squirrels, but last night they bounced back for 5-1 win to tie the series back up. Starter Will Roberts was tremendous, giving up just 1 run in 7 innings, while striking out 11 and issuing no free passes. Second baseman Joe Wendle, center fielder Ollie Linton, and designated hitter Anthony Gallas each had 2 hits in the win, and right fielder Jordan Smith added a two-run homer.
Game 3 of the series is at 7:05 ET tonight at The Diamond, Richmond's home stadium. Cody Anderson is set to start for the RubberDucks.
Lake County (Single-A)
The Captains fell behind South Bend 1-0 early, but came back to tie the game and then take the lead with back-to-back home runs by first baseman Nellie Rodriguez and designated hitter Mike Papi in the 4th inning. The in the 5th Clint Frazier doubled in a run, the first of five to cross the plate that inning, as Lake County blew the game open. Starting pitcher Anderson Polanco gave up 2 runs in 5.2 innings, and a trio of relievers recorded the final ten outs without allowing a single hit.
The Captains advance to the Midwest League semifinals and await the winner of a series between the West Michigan Whitecaps and the Fort Wayne Tincaps.