Clippers fall to Bisons, 7-1

BUFFALO - The Clippers’ winning streak came to an end Monday afternoon in Buffalo, as Columbus fell to the Bisons, 7-1, in game one of a four-game set between the two clubs.

After a 27-run outburst over their past three games, Columbus (24-26) struggled to perform at the plate against Buffalo. The Clippers managed only three hits with each player in the Columbus lineup striking out at least once. Second baseman Cord Phelps, batting in the three-hole, struck out three times.

Right-hander Zach McAllister, returning to Columbus after making a few spot starts with Cleveland, took the loss, giving up three runs in five innings of work. McAllister allowed the game-winning run in the bottom of the fourth on a double by Bison third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo. The other two runs given up by McAllister came on fielder’s choice groundouts in the top of the first and the fourth.

Pitted against McAllister was right-hander Dylan Owen, who stifled Columbus bats for six innings. Owen allowed one run on two hits while striking out four before handing the game over to the Buffalo bullpen. The Bison relievers did the job, pitching three-scoreless innings.

A fielder’s choice by first baseman Russ Canzler in the top of the fifth inning pulled the Clippers within two runs. Canzler hit a groundball to short, plating left fielder Jared Goedert, who reached base on a single to center field.

Two of the Clippers’ three hits came in that fifth inning, with left fielder Chad Huffman also singling to center field.

Columbus had trouble getting players on base for most of the game.

Five of Columbus’ nine at-bats were one-two-three innings. Along with their three hits, the Clippers’ only walked twice. In all, only five Clippers’ reached base, with only one player, Goedert, advancing past second base.

A three-run homer by second baseman Johnny Vladespin in the bottom of the sixth inning distanced Buffalo from Columbus. Right-hander Matt Langwell allowed a run in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Columbus and Buffalo will play game two of the series on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m.

Andrew Holleran is a third-year journalism student at The Ohio State University. You can follow him on Twitter @andrewjholleran or reach him via e-mail at holleran.9@buckeyemail.osu.edu.