COLUMBUS – The Clippers took the lead in the fourth inning and never trailed after that on the way to an 11-7 victory in the opening game of three-game series against Norfolk at Huntington Park Tuesday night.
Oscar Mercado banged out four hits, including a home run and a double, and knocked in three runs as the Clippers won for the fifth time in six games.
The Tides took a 4-1 lead with three runs in the fourth inning but the Clippers answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning, thanks to a wilds pitch by losing pitcher Luis Ortiz (0-2) and Mercado’s two-run double.
Josh Smith (3-0) got the win for Columbus.
The two teams continue their series Wednesday night.