Columbus Clippers Lose Season Opener to Iowa Cubs

Clippers fall 5-2 in first game of 2026 season

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:20pm

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The Columbus Clippers opened their 2026 season with a 5-2 loss to the Iowa Cubs on March 27. The Cubs scored four runs in the sixth inning to take a 5-0 lead, highlighted by a two-run triple from Justin Dean. The Clippers mounted a late comeback with a two-run single from Cooper Ingle in the seventh, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit.

Why it matters

The Clippers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and get off to a strong start in 2026. This opening day loss is a setback, but there's still plenty of baseball left to play.

The details

Clippers starter Ryan Webb allowed one run on one hit in two innings. The Cubs broke the game open in the sixth inning, scoring four runs off reliever Jack Jasiak. Justin Dean's two-run triple was the big blow in the inning, and Brett Bateman and Jonathan Long also had RBI singles. Juan Brito went 3-for-5 for the Clippers, and Cooper Ingle had a two-run single in the seventh inning.

  • The game was played on March 27, 2026.
  • The Cubs scored four runs in the sixth inning to take a 5-0 lead.

The players

Ryan Webb

The Clippers' starting pitcher, who allowed one run on one hit in two innings.

Jack Jasiak

The Clippers' reliever who gave up four runs in the sixth inning.

Justin Dean

The Cubs' outfielder who hit a two-run triple in the sixth inning.

Brett Bateman

The Cubs' outfielder who had an RBI single in the sixth inning.

Jonathan Long

The Cubs' infielder who had an RBI single in the sixth inning.

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What they’re saying

“We got off to a slow start, but there's a lot of baseball left to play. We'll regroup and come back stronger in our next game.”

— Juan Brito, Clippers Outfielder

What’s next

The Clippers will look to bounce back in their next game against the Iowa Cubs on March 28.

The takeaway

The Clippers' season opener was a disappointing loss, but there's still plenty of time for the team to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs in 2026.