It wasn't the first time that Columbus tried to waste the superb start by Alex White (1.64, 6 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 7 K). A Jason Kipnis first inning error and a Luke Carlin second inning passed ball led to two unearned runs and a 2-zip deficit.
The O was baffled by the Toledo staff all night long, to the tune of 11 strikeouts. Kipnis (.250) had 3 hits (RBI) and seems to be turning it around at the plate, Ezequiel Carrera (.313) stroked 2 hits and scored a run, and Cord Phelps (.406) continued his hot hitting with a single, a run scored and 2 RBI. Chad Huffman (.077), on the other hand, regressed via an 0-for-5 (3 K) and left 5 stranded.
I will be in attendance for the Clippers home opener tomorrow. If the rains abate for long enough, I hope to have some pics and/or video for you. Don't expect to see it until Sunday.
Other Minor Points of Interest --
Not much to say. Akron and Kinston got knocked around pretty good. The most troubling part for me was Bryan Price's performance for the Aeros. In taking the loss, Price (1-1, 10.13) allowed five earned on six hits, including a pair long balls, over two iinnings. In case you've forgotten, Price came from the Red Sox in the Victor Martinez trade. Yep, that's why I'm interested.
Down in the Midwest League, the Lake County Captains lost in extras to the Bowling Green HotRods. BG includes St Ignatius grad Derek Dietrich. DD played high-A ball last season and OPSed .759. It is, then, unclear why he took a step back this year. Derek is playing short (his natural position) for the HotRods after spending most of 2010 at third. Perhaps the D-Rays brass thinks he needs some defensive seasoning. I will have to look into it. Whatever the reason, Dietrich is tearing the cover off of the ball. Tonight, he was 3-for-5 with a dong, a walk, 3 RBI and 4 runs scored. Through the season's first week 21 year old is raking at .478 with a 1.623 OPS. Yowza.
Sleep well, kids. Tomorrow will be a good one.
Cheers
