The Columbus Clippers have responded to a seven-game losing skid suffered through Sunday’s loss in Rochester with a renewed effort that has seen them win three straight against Toledo this week. That includes Thursday’s 3-2 squeaker against the Mud Hens at Huntington Park.

The Clippers’ offense Thursday consisted of three solo home runs, one each from Yordys Valdes, Milán Tolentino, and Johnathan Rodriguez. Tolentino and Rodriguez now lead the club with seven homers. Rodriguez also tops the RBI list with 32.

The story of the night, though, were the performances of starting pitcher Doug Nikhazy and the Columbus bullpen. Nikhazy (3-3) went 6.0+ innings, allowing two runs, one earned, on four hits while striking out seven. He picked up his third win of the season. 

Relievers Luis Frías and Parker Mushinski combined to shut out the Mud Hens for the final three innings. Mushinski earned his first save of the campaign. The loss was charged to Toledo starter Troy Melton (0-1).

The teams are back at it Friday with the fourth game of their six-game series. The first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Parker Messick (3-1, 2.64) takes the mound for Columbus while Dietrich Enns (1-1, 2.79) gets the start for the Mud Hens.