Clippers win Governor’s Cup behind Bradley Zimmer, Daniel Johnson and Ka’ai Tom home runs

Columbus Clippers 6, Durham Bulls 2

Box Score · Clippers win series 3-0

Facing the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, the Columbus Clippers offense was held scoreless the first five innings on Thursday in game three of the Governor’s Cup.

The game stayed close thanks in part to a tremendous diving catch from left fielder Ka’ai Tom with the bases loaded and two down in the second inning.

Trailing 1-0 in the sixth inning, the Clippers jumped out in front when Bradley Zimmer went deep for a 3-run bomb.

The lead was extended to 4-1 thanks to a solo shot from Daniel Johnson in the top of the seventh inning.

Then Ka’ai Tom removed all doubt later in the inning when he hammered a two-run shot to the opposite field.

Tom and Ernie Clement both went 2-4 in the game and were the only Clippers to reach base safely twice.

On the pitching side of the equation, veteran Mitch Talbot danced around trouble, allowing one run on two hits and a whopping six walks in 4.2 innings.

Josh Smith allowed one run in two innings of relief, but Argenis Angulo added a scoreless frame and Jon Edwards slammed the door with 1.1 innings of scoreless relief to earn the save.

Here’s the final out of the game:

The Clippers will play one final game Tuesday against the other AAA winner from the PCL.