George Valera led the Columbus Clippers’ offense Tuesday in St. Paul with three hits, two RBIs, and two runs scored. The Clippers held off a late Saints’ rally to win, 7-4. File photo

After going 10-2 on their homestand that ended Sunday, the Columbus Clippers took to the road for 12 games over the next two weeks. The Clippers sprinted out to a 7-0 lead Tuesday, then hung on for a 7-4 win against the St. Paul Saints. The Clippers had not played the Saints since the end of March when they lost twice in the Twin Cities.

Columbus wasted no time in putting runs on the board, scoring four times in the first inning. Johnathan Rodriguez singled to drive in a run, followed by a double from George Valera, which brought in two more. Myles Straw finished the barrage with a single to drive in Valera.

The Clips added two more in the third inning. Bryan Lavastida doubled to knock in Valera, who had singled and stolen second base. Raynel Delgado then doubled to send Valera home. Columbus added a run in the fourth when Kyle Manzardo hit his 15th home run of the season. The lead was 7-0.

Clippers’ starter Doug Nikhazy (4-1) had another strong outing, going 5.2 innings of shutout baseball. He gave up three hits and two walks, while striking out eight. The Saints were able to mount a comeback with a run in the seventh and a three-run homer from Edouard Julien in the ninth. Saints’ starter Adam Plutko (6-2) lasted only an inning and took the loss.

Columbus and St. Paul are back on the diamond Wednesday with an afternoon game scheduled for 2:07 p.m.