COLUMBUS – The Mud Hens came up with key runs in the last two innings and held off a Columbus rallied to hand the Clippers a 6-4 defeat in the opening game of a four-game series at Huntington Park.
With Indianapolis knocking off Louisville, 7-1, Columbus is one game away from elimination from the race for the international League West Division title.
Toledo scored a run in each of the first four innings and added another run in the eighth, leaving the Clippers trailing, 5-2, headed to the bottom of the frame when a two-run home run to left field by Richie Shaffer cut the deficit to one run.
The Mud Hens scored an insurance run in the ninth.
Julian Merryweather (3-6) lasted six innings while allowing eight hits and four earned runs, leaving with Columbus with 4-2 deficit.
Chad Bell (2-4) lasted five innings and allowed just two earned runs while striking out two.
The two teams play again Tuesday night at 6:35.