NASHVILLE – The Clippers beat the Nashville Sounds, 6-2, Thursday night in a game punctuated by a bench-clearing brawl.
With one out in the top of the third inning, Clippers center fielder George Valera was at the plate and said something to Sounds catcher Alex Jackson, which Jackson took exception to.
The two began arguing and had to be separated by home plate umpire Tanner Moore. Valera reached across Moore and shoved the umpire aside to take a swipe at Jackson. The argument escalated and ended with the benches clearing and a full-on brawl ensued.
Valera, Jackson and Sounds pitcher Abner Uribe ended up being ejected.
Immediately after the rhubarb, Jhonkensy Noel hit a bases-clearing single that gave Columbus a 5-0 lead.
Daniel Norris (3-4) struck out six hitters while giving up two runs in 5 1/3 innings to get the win for Columbus.
Nashville starter Justin Jarvis (0-1) took the loss.