The Columbus Clippers have had too many games on the road lately where the offense has given them a lead only to watch it be frittered away late. Such was the case Friday, when host Buffalo scored three in the bottom of the ninth to walk off with a win. On Saturday, the Clips’ bullpen did not allow a run en route to a 6-1 victory.

Columbus starter Vince Velasquez set the tone for his club, going 5.2 innings and allowing only one run on two hits, while striking out seven. Three relievers followed – Matt Krook, Nick Mikolajchak, and Tanner Burns –  who collectively threw 3.1 scoreless innings, giving up just one hit. Valsquez (3-2) earned the win.

The Clippers scored four times in the first three innings with a “small ball” approach. Jhonkensy Noel knocked in a run with a single, Yordys Valdes and Cody Huff plated runs with sacrifice flies, and a wild pitch brought a run home. In the fifth inning, C.J. Kayfus doubled to bring in Noel. Petey Halpin scored in the sixth on a throwing error.

The teams wind up their series Sunday with a 1:05 p.m. start in Buffalo. The Clippers will have Monday off to return home. The Indianapolis Indians will be in Columbus next week for a six-game series beginning Tuesday at Huntington Park.