INDIANAPOLIS – A Fourth of July game between the Clippers and Indianapolis was short on fireworks as Columbus edged the Indians 1-0 in front of a season-high 14,366 fans Tuesday at Victory Field.
A sacrifice fly by Ronny Rodriguez in the sixth inning gave Columbus its lone run in the match between the top two teams in the International League West Division.
Ryan Merritt (7-5) scattered four hits, none of them for extra bases, during seven shutout innings.
Tribe southpaw Steven Brault (7-4) gave up Rodriguez’s sac fly, which scored Abraham Almonte, to take the loss.
The Indians continue their three-game series against Columbus Wednesday night at Huntington Park at 7:05 p.m.