By The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - Jeff Deardorff hit a two-run single in a four-run first inning, and the Columbus Clippers went on to beat the Louisville Bats 8-5 Wednesday night in the International League.

Bubba Crosby had three RBIs without getting a hit for the Clippers, who added three runs in the second to take a 7-0 lead and chase Louisville starter Matt Belisle.

The Clippers loaded the bases with none out in the first as Kevin Reese and John Rodriguez singled before Belisle walked Andy Phillips.

After Shane Spencer struck out, Belisle walked Crosby to force in the first run and then hit Felix Escalona with a pitch, making it 2-0. Deardorff followed with a two-run single.

Phillips and Spencer hit RBI singles in the second, and Crosby drove in another run with a groundout. Crosby got his third RBI in the fourth on a sacrifice fly that scored Phillips, who had tripled.

Rob Stratton hit two homers and finessed 3-for-4 with three RBIs for Louisville.

Belisle (9-10) allowed seven runs on six hits in two innings.

Columbus starter Lance Davis (2-2) allowed five runs on seven hits in six innings. Steve Karsay struck out four in two scoreless innings and Bret Prinz pitched the ninth for his eighth save.