Catfish Take Commanding 2-0 Series Lead

Now all the Catfish need is one more win.

Taking on the West Virginia Power Tuesday night in Game Two of the South Atlantic League Championship Series, Columbus took a lead with the first batter and never looked back.

Maiko Loyola led off the ballgame with a solo home run, and Cesar Suarez drove home John Matulia later in the inning for a 2-0 lead that Columbus never gave back.

In the 4th inning, the Catfish extended their lead to 4-1 when Quinn Stewart dribbled a pitch back up the middle and through the infield to score Seth Dhaenhens and Matthew Fields.

Stewart tacked on another run in the 6th with a sacrifice fly that scored Ryan Royster, who walked and stole second base to lead off the inning, advancing to third on a throwing error by Power catcher Andy Bouchie.

The Catfish held starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson in reserve Tuesday, instead starting Will Kline on the mound.  He went three innings, scattering three hits and walking two batters, striking out four.  The only damage Kline allowed came in the bottom of the 1st when Taylor Green singled home Chuck Caufield to cut the Columbus lead to 2-1.  Maiko Loyola threw Green out at second base on the play.

In the 4th, West Virginia’s John Alonso tagged Columbus reliever Jeremy Hall for a solo home run which cut the lead to 4-2.  It was the only run allowed by Hall, who pitched four and a third, allowing three hits and striking out one Power batter.  Hall earned the win.

Ryan Owen and Ryan Reid combined to pitch scoreless 8th and 9th innings for Columbus.

The ‘Fish return to Golden Park in Columbus Thursday night for Game Three of the Championship Series, needing just one win to clinch the South Atlantic League Title.  If necessary, Games Four and Five are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Golden Park.