Clippers complete three-game sweep of Michigan Monarchs

LocalSportsJournal.com

MUSKEGON – A Saturday shutout over the Michigan Monarchs spelled a victorious end to the three-game series for the Muskegon Clippers as they walked away on top, 4-0.

It didn’t take long for Muskegon to get it going. After surrendering just one hit, but turning a double play in the top of the first, the Clippers were able to snag an early lead. Aidan Arbogast and Colin Cornwell notched a single each, allowing Sheehan O’Connor to cross home.

With a 1-0 advantage, Muskegon once again held the Monarchs to just a single hit in the second inning. Eight different batters came to the plate in the Clippers’ half of that same inning.

After loading the bases with two walks and a single from Jabin Bates, O’Connor walked, which scored Donovan Rinehart. Aaron Piasecki also walked, scoring Bates and putting Muskegon up 3-0.

Photo/Leo Valdez

Things were relatively quiet other than a few base hits for either side until the seventh inning. That’s when Piasecki delivered the final blow, scoring on a wild pitch and putting the Clippers ahead 4-0.

Five pitchers took the mound for Muskegon, but it was Gavin Sitarz who earned the win after allowing just three hits through three innings while striking out four. Ben Alderson, Matthew Hoover, Blake Gedrich and Brandon Scheurer also saw time on the mound.

Offensively, Cornwell led the way with two hits and an RBI. Arbogast and Bates both went 2-for-4.

Muskegon moved to 16-2 with the win as they continue to add to the narrow lead they have over the Lima Locos (15-5) in the North Division.

The Clippers will get a chance to further the gap at the top of the division when they take on the Locos in a doubleheader starting at 5:35 p.m. Tuesday at Simmons Field in Lima, Ohio. The team also will play a single game on Wednesday.