Cleveland Indians News: Columbus Clippers Win 2015 International League Title

Columbus Clippers Win Governor’s Cup

The Cleveland Indians’ Triple-A Columbus Clippers are the 2015 International League Champions after beating the Indianapolis Indians 3-0 tonight in Indianapolis.

Cleveland Indians prospect Mike Clevinger started for the Clippers, just his second at the Triple-A level, and he pitched a gem. He went 7.2 innings, allowing just five hits and one walk, while striking out seven.  While not quite as impressive as his debut when he went 7.2 no-hit innings to clinch the series that put the Clippers into the finals, it was still just what they needed. C.C. Lee came on and got the final out of the 8th inning before giving way to former Cub Carlos Marmol, who closed out the 9th.

Offensively the Clippers got on the board in the 1st inning when Jesus Aguilar doubled and then Adam Moore drove him in with a 2-out single. That pair got the Clippers second run in the 4th inning when Aguilar singled and Moore drove him in with a double.  The Clippers scored their final run when Erik Gonzalez connected on a solo home run in the 5th. 

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Gonzalez had himself a game, as not only did he hit that home run but made several very good plays defensively at shortstop that helped Clevinger and company secure the shutout victory. Gonzalez is one of the top prospects in the Cleveland Indians organization thanks in large part to his slick fielding on the infield. He is a member of the Cleveland Indians 40-man roster as well. Michael Choice was named the MVP of the Governor’s Cup.  He hit .424 in the series with three home runs.  Choice and Clevinger are two of the newest members of the Clippers, and together they came up huge in tonight’s victory.

The Columbus Clippers will head to El Paso, Texas to play in the Triple-A Championship this Tuesday.  They will face the winner of the Pacific Coast League (either Fresno or Round Rock). But first, they celebrate…

Next: Cleveland Indians Minor League Update: Zach Walters to DL; Clippers in Must Win