The Columbus Clippers have been playing well for two months. It has not been without some drama. On Wednesday in suburban Atlanta, the Clippers took a big lead to the bottom of the ninth inning and held on, barely, for a dramatic 7-6 victory.

Columbus got off to a quick start, scoring three runs in the first inning and two in the second. In the first, leadoff hitter Chase DeLauter hit his second home run since being promoted, but this time it was an inside-the-park line drive. Kyle Manzardo hit a two-run homer later in the frame.

In the second inning, Juan Brito drove in a run on a ground-rule double for Columbus. DeLauter added his second RBI of the game on a ground-ball out that brought Dom Nuñez in from third base. The Stripers cut the lead to 5-2 with single runs in the third and fourth innings.

The Clippers scored twice in the top of the ninth to seemingly seal the victory, but the runs proved to be the difference. It was Johnathan Rodriguez who brought both runs to the plate on his team-leading 21st long ball of the season. Columbus led 7-2 going to the bottom of the inning.

The Stripers did not simply go through the motions, five runs down. Against Clippers’ reliever Peter Strzelecki, and with one out, Gwinnett went to work. A single, double, walk, and double in succession plated two. A ground-ball out, followed by a double brought in two more. With the tying run at second, Strzelecki got Chadwick Tromp to line out to Angel Martínez in center field and Columbus survived for a 7-6 win.

The starters were the pitchers of record in Wednesday’s contest. Triston McKenzie (3-3) picked up the win, going 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks, while striking out three. Reliever Randy Labaut pitched well for Columbus, not allowing a run on just one hit in 2.2 innings of work. Ian Anderson (2-2) was pinned with the loss.

Columbus and Gwinnett will play their third game in as many days Thursday, with the first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. Ryan Webb (2-0) will be on the mound for the Clippers and will face Hurston Weldrep (1-1) for the Stripers.