Leo: Clippers win close in opener

The Clippers started the 2011 season with a thrilling 4-3 win in Indianapolis Thursday night. Columbus saw a 4-0 lead cut to a single tally in the seventh inning, but the Columbus bullpen survived to get the victory.

Cord Phelps was the Clippers offensive engine, finishing 3-for-3 with 2 RBIs and a pair of walks. Clippers starter David Huff fired six scoreless innings and earned the win.

The game saw two intense moments late, in which the Clippers shined on both occasions. Zach Putnam was summoned from the bullpen in the seventh after Jess Todd allowed three runs. With the tying run at third base, Putnam forced Pedro Ciriaco to routinely fly to left, preserving the 4-3 advantage.

The final out was recorded by Jensen Lewis, educing a double play grounder from Ciriaco with the tying run again just 90 feet away.

The Clippers will send right-hander Jeanmar Gomez to the mound against Indianapolis’ Sean Gallagher on Friday at 7:15pm.

Watch Cord Phelps’ and Mike Sarbaugh’s post-game comments: http://www.youtube.com/clbclippers