The Columbus Clippers (46-41) fell at the Toledo Mud Hens (43-45) 2-1 in a two-game sweep for Toledo. Each starter pitched well, though Columbus’ Tyler Cloyd lived on the edge allowing a base runner into scoring position in each of the first three innings. Derek Hankins dominated the Clippers retiring 16 in a row at one point.
Cloyd (6-5, 4.35 ERA) had a tough night, but still got a quality start. He allowed 10 hits, but only two runs allowed with one walk and five strikeouts in six and two-third adventurous innings. Hankins (4-9, 5.93 ERA) was masterful Thursday night. He pitched eight and two-third innings and allowed one run on four hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
After five and one-half scoreless innings the Mud Hens broke through in the sixth. After Jordan Lennerton led off with a single a sacrifice bunt and Ben Guez single had him in scoring position. Wade Gaynor hit a grounder to shortstop Justin Sellers, but the Clippers failed to turn a potential inning-ending doubleplay. Ezequiel Carrera singled to score Guez and gave Toledo a 2-0 lead.
The Clippers rallied with two outs in the ninth. Down 2-0 Tyler Holt doubled and Jesus Aguilar singled to put Columbus on the board. Audy Ciriaco pinch ran for “El Jefe” Aguilar, but ended the game at first base.
The Clippers return to the friendly confines of Huntington Park for the 4th of July Friday. The Mud Hens follow in as the teams play two in Columbus. Travis Banwart (5-2, 3.12 ERA) gets the call against Duane Below (6-2, 3.99 ERA) and Toledo at 7:15 p.m.
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