Clippers Move Closer to Clinching Playoffs with Win

The Clippers ran their winning streak to four games, using more solid pitching and a big third inning to earn a 13th and final victory in 2010 against the Indianapolis Indians, 4-1. With the victory, Columbus could now earn a spot in the International League playoffs as early as Thursday.

Corey Kluber stepped into the rotation spot vacated by Carlos Carrasco and was solid in six innings of work. He gave up just the one run on four hits, while striking out four.

Trailing 1-0 in the third, the Clippers knotted the score with Matt McBride's lead-off home run. Two batters later, Josh Rodriguez' triple scored Luke Carlin, with Rodriguez then coming home on an Ezequiel Carrera single.

Columbus added an insurance run in the seventh when Rodriguez doubled home Carlin, shortly after both McBride and Manager Mike Sarbaugh had been ejected for arguing a call at first base. The Clippers outhit Indy on the night, 13-5. Saul Rivera gave Vinnie Pestano some much-needed rest, picking up his fifth save of the season by pitching around two walks in the ninth.

Louisville's kept pace with Columbus in the IL West Division with a win of their own. The Bats still trail by a half-a-game, but both teams appear to be in good shape for the postseason, with the division loser likely headed for a wild card berth.

The Clippers return home for the final two regular season games at Huntington Park Thursday and Friday. First pitch on Thursday is set for 4:35 p.m., moved up because of the Ohio State football game, with David Huff (7-2, 4.81) on the bump for Columbus against Toledo's Charlie Furbush (3-3, 5.24).