sport
Clingstones sweep Birmingham as Braun sets franchise strikeout record
Columbus Clingstones sweep Birmingham in a three-game series; Lucas Braun sets franchise record with 12 strikeouts.
How we reported this
The Columbus Clingstones swept Birmingham in a three-game series recently, capping the weekend with a 7-4 victory in the finale and a 3-2 win in another match, according to MiLB records. Right-hander Lucas Braun was named Southern League Pitcher of the Week after spinning a franchise-record 12 strikeouts in the 3-2 win over Birmingham.
Clingstones' Dominance and a Setback
The Clingstones, an Atlanta Braves Double-A affiliate, play at Synovus Park in Columbus. The sweep marks a strong recent run for the team, which has faced challenges earlier in the season. Notably, the Clingstones suffered a 0-3 season sweep by the Chattanooga Lookouts in a rain-shortened Easter Sunday finale, with the game called 4-0 in the top of the sixth inning, as reported by OurSports Central. That series highlighted the ups and downs of the season, but the recent sweep of Birmingham shows the team's resilience.
Braun's performance stands out as a highlight of the week. His 12 strikeouts in a single game set a new franchise record, a feat that earned him the league's weekly pitching honor. The Clingstones host games at Synovus Park, a venue that has become a hub for local baseball fans.
High School and Local Sports Action
The Columbus Blue Devils high school boys baseball team holds a 2-2-1 record and is scheduled to play Harris County later today at 5:00pm, according to MaxPreps. The Blue Devils, part of Columbus High School, compete in Georgia's Class 2A, where the school was ranked the top overall program in the inaugural AJC Varsity all-sports standings for the 2025-26 school year with 1,631.6 points, finishing 100 points ahead of Morgan County. Columbus High School offers 41 athletic teams, with two-thirds of its 1,131 students participating in sports.
Columbus Parks and Recreation manages adult sports leagues in the area, with results accessible via their QuickScores portal for Columbia County. While specific current standings are not available, the portal provides a way for residents to check on league outcomes. The department oversees various amateur leagues, contributing to the city's vibrant sports scene.
Looking Ahead
The Clingstones will continue their season at Synovus Park, with upcoming home games offering fans a chance to see the team build on its recent sweep. The Blue Devils face Harris County later today, with game time set for 5:00pm. For adult league participants, the QuickScores portal remains the go-to resource for staying updated on results. With both professional and amateur sports heating up, Columbus remains a key player in the region's athletic landscape.