Arcia’s Bases-Clearing Knock Gives Bats Third Consecutive Win

A three-run single from Orlando Arcia is all the Louisville Bats needed to defeat Columbus Clippers 4-2 on Thursday night at Louisville Slugger Field.

Early on, Kent Emanuel was dominant once again. He struck out five over his first three scoreless innings. Meanwhile, the Bats' offense remained dormant until the third, when the first three batters reached base. With none out, neither Dominic Fletcher nor Noelvi could bring home a runner, but Arcia stepped up big time.

With the bags packed and two down, he battled profusely. He worked a 3-2 count and then fouled off three straight pitches before lining a single on the ninth offering. With the runners moving on the pitch, all were able to come around and score, which gave Louisville a 3-0 lead.

Emanuel stumbled in the fourth, allowing a two-run homer to Dom Nunez that cut the score to 3-2 Louisville.

From there, the Bats' offense was quiet until the seventh inning, while the pitching staff was paramount. Emanuel (W, 2-1) threw a scoreless fifth inning before Zach Maxwell and Hunter Parks threw consecutive scoreless frames out of the pen.

Emanuel exited after five innings, in which he allowed two runs on four hits, walked three and struck out eight. He’s allowed just two earned runs in consecutive games.

In the bottom of the seventh, Dominic Pitelli walked and later scored on a Michael Chavis sac fly. Chavis’ team-leading 76^th RBI boosted Louisville’s lead to 4-2.

In the ninth, Kevin Abel (S, 1) worked around two base runners to record his first career save and secure the 4-2 victory.

Louisville pitchers struck out 14 batters for the first time since July 17 at St. Paul. Arroyo recorded his first multi-hit game since August 16 against Toledo. Acia recorded his first multi-hit effort as a Bat. The three-game winning streak is the Bats' first since July 7-9.

The Bats will host Columbus again on Friday at 7:15 p.m. Nick Curran and Jim Kelch will have the call on Sports Talk 790.