COLUMBUS – A three-run home run by Brandon Barnes in the seventh inning put the game out of reach for Columbus as the Clippers won the final game of their four-game series in Durham 7-5.
Barnes’s homer was one of four off the bats of Columbus hitters, two of them off losing pitcher Ryann Merritt (2-5).
Neil Ramirez (2-0) got the win in relief for Columbus who now lead Indianapolis by a game in the International League West
The Clippers won three of the four games they played at Durham Bulls Athletic Park and return home for a three-game series with Toledo that begins Monday night at Huntington Park.