Columbus Clippers complete sweep of Charlotte Knights

Tyler Holt recorded three hits, Jordan Cooper pitched six shutout innings and the Columbus Clippers beat the Charlotte Knights 5-2 on Thursday in the finale of their three-game series from Huntington Park. Cooper (1-1, 1.98) allowed three hits and three walks en route to his first win of the season, striking out a season-high eight.

Both of Charlotte’s runs were scored against the Columbus bullpen, which gave up a combined two runs on one hit and six walks over the final three innings. Columbus reliever Shawn Armstrong, who worked the ninth inning, walked the bases loaded and eventually walked in a run, which pulled the Knights to within three runs. With the tying run on first base and two outs, Armstrong got Neftali Soto to strike out to end the game.

Right-hander Junior Guerra (0-1, 1.80) started for the Knights and was sharp over five innings. Guerra, who was promoted to Charlotte from Class AA Birmingham on May 5, gave up one run on one hit and was the hard-luck losing pitcher. He walked two batters and struck out seven in his first Class AAA start.

The Knights had four hits – one of which came off the bat of Dan Black, who went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. Black has now reached base in 25 straight games dating back to July 28, 2014. His 25-game streak is the longest current streak in the International League.

Tyler Colvin, Drew Garcia, and George Kottaras all had a hit. Kottaras, who was activated off the disabled list before the game, reached base in four plate appearances with a single and three walks.

Thursday’s win gave the Clippers a three-game series sweep over the second-place Knights, who have now lost four straight games.

This story was originally published May 7, 2015 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Columbus Clippers complete sweep of Charlotte Knights."