The Columbus Clippers returned home to begin a six-game series against the Louisville Bats Tuesday at Huntington Park. The teams exchanged one-run leads for seven innings before the Clippers took control with three big runs in the eighth inning to win 6-2. Columbus remains in first place in the International League West.

Once again, the Clips combined timely hitting with strong pitching to nail down their tenth win in fourteen outings. Will Wilson, who leads the team with a .356 batting average, had two hits, including his fourth double, and knocked in two runs.

Dom Nuñez, in the designated hitter’s spot, hit a two-run homer, his second long ball of the season, while Christian Cairo had two base knocks. Will Brennan, Juan Brito, Johnathan Rodriguez, and Petey Halpin added hits on the evening.

Starter Kolby Allard gave up both Louisville runs, but threw well in his five innings of work, giving up just four hits and striking out three. Allard has yet to receive a decision after three starts. Cody Bolton (1-0) tossed a perfect sixth and picked up the win. Will Dion blanked the Bats for the final three innings and earned his first save.

It was a chilly and windy night at Huntington Park, but the weather is supposed to improve as the week wears on. The teams play the second game of the series Wednesday with the first pitch slated for 6:15 p.m.