Mud Hens quiet Clippers for third straight win

COLUMBUS — The Toledo Mud Hens held the Columbus Clippers to just one run on four hits, picking up a 3-1 win Saturday for their third consecutive victory at Huntington Park.

After losing in controversial fashion on Tuesday and giving up 14 runs on Wednesday, the Hens (19-13) have turned around to clinch at least a share of this week’s six-game series heading into Sunday’s finale.

Kyle Manzardo got Columbus (12-19) on the board first, homering in the bottom of the fourth for a 1-0 lead. That was the only blemish against Toledo starting pitcher Bryan Sammons, who struck out seven with no walks and just two hits over six innings.

For the second straight day, a three-run top of the fifth inning keyed the Hens to victory. Andrew Navigato led off the inning with a solo home run, Akil Baddoo doubled and scored on a Keston Hiura single, and Jace Jung came home on a Bligh Madris groundout.

Columbus pitcher Connor Gillispie did not return for the sixth, finishing with three runs allowed on six hits with four strikeouts and three walks.

Both bullpens were solid as the Hens went hitless over the final four innings while holding the Clippers to just two hits in that span. Devin Sweet issued a leadoff walk in the bottom of the ninth but retired the next three batters in order to earn the save.

Sunday’s series finale is set for 1:05 p.m. with Toledo’s Matt Manning set to pitch against Will Dion of Columbus.