Clip Joint

Your defending AAA National Champions got off to a nice start on Thursday, taking down the Indianapolis Indians 4-3.  David Huff started and went 6 shutout innings (3 H, 3 BB, 2 K) to grab the win, while Jensen Lewis pitched a clean 9th for the save (H, BB, K).  Both pitchers struggled to find the zone (Huff 84 pitches, 48 strikes, Lewis 20-11), yet both were able to work around trouble without allowing any scoring.  Jess Todd was not nearly as lucky.  The last bullpen arm cut from spring camp entered in the 7th and allowed all three Indy runs on 3 walks and triple.  Zach Putnam got the last out with the tying run dancing off of third.

Cord Phelps paced the Clips' offensive effort by falling a long ball short of the cycle and adding 2 walks.  Lonnie Chisenhall plated two with a 7th inning double to supplement RBI hits by Phelps in the 3rd and 5th.  The Chiz Kid was gunned down trying to stretch it into a triple, though you can't give him much grief for driving in what would end up being the game winning runs.  Luis Valbuena added a single, double and stolen base.

The Clippers again play at the Indians (weird) tomorrow.  The game begins @ 7:15p with Jeanmar Gomez expected to start.