COLUMBUS – Connor Marabell broke a 4-all tie with a grand slam in the eighth to power the Clippers to an 8-4 win over the Syracuse Chiefs in the opening game of a four-game series at Huntington Park Thursday night.
Marabell’s second homer of the season capped an eighth inning rally that saw Columbus tie the game when Brandon Barnes drew a bases-loaded walk and then take the lead on Marabell’s blast over the right field wall.
Carlos Torres (3-3) struck out three consecutive hitters to get out of a jam in the seventh but was responsible for four of the Clippers runs the following inning.
Cole Sulser (4-3) and Josh Martin combined to shut out the Chiefs over the final two innings.
The teams will be back in action Friday at 7:15 p.m. for game two.