Catfish stop slide, beat Asheville

The Columbus Catfish finally solved the Asheville Tourists puzzle. After losing big, then losing close, the Catfish finally beat the visiting Tourists, 4-0 tonight.

I didn't make the game; some family events took precedence. And I missed a good one.

The Catfish loaded the bases in the 1st, and had runners on the corners in the 4th, but couldn't score.

Until the 5th.

With 1 out, 2B Cody Cipriano walked, then moved to second on a bunt single by RF Maiko Loyola. 3B Greg Sexton broke the tie with a 2-run single to center.

In the 6th, DH Henry Wrigley singled, then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by 1B Seth Dhaenens, then scored on a single by SS Omar Luna. Following a change in pitchers, CF Emeel Salem singled, then stole second ... his league-leading 22nd stolen base. Cipriano walked, loading the bases. Then Loyola singled home Luna, putting the Catfish up 4-0.

Alex Cobb picked up his 4th win, allowing 4 hits, walking 1, and striking out 6.

Austin Hinkle, called up yesterday by the Catfish, make his first appearance, took over in the 7th. He pitched 2 innings, didn't allow a hit, walked a pair, and struck out 2. Jose Mejias, also called up yesterday, pitched the 9th, allowing a hit, and striking out 1.

The shutout was the first time this year any team has held Asheville scoreless. The four hits is the least to which any team has held Asheville this season.

Every Catfish batter reached base at least once. Loyola and Sexton had a pair of hits to lead the Catfish. They and Luna had the Catfish RBIs.

The series ends tomorrow night, with the Catfish needing a win to earn a split.