COLUMBUS – Richie Shaffer’s three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth proved to be just enough for the Clippers as they held off the Indianapolis Indians, 3-2, on Tuesday night in a showdown between the top teams in the International League West Division.
The victory sliced the Indians’ lead over Columbus to one and a half games.
Steven Brault (8-5) dominated Clipper batters through five innings, allowing just two hits before Shaffer stepped to the plate with two on and one out and belted his 24th home run of the season, saddling Brault with the loss.
Ryan Merritt (8-5) allowed just two hits over six innings to earn the victory.
The Indians loaded the bases in the top of the ninth inning with just one out, but the rally was halted when Elias Diaz grounded into a double play off closer Louis Head, who earned his sixth save.
The two teams will continue their three-game series on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. at Huntington Park.