The Columbus Clippers won the first two games of their series against the host Gwinnett Stripers by single runs, both in exciting fashion. Thursday’s contest was no different. The Clippers took a 5-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning and held on for a 5-4 win.

Ryan Webb (2-0) made his fourth start for Columbus and once again had a solid outing. He went five innings, allowing one run on four hits and two walks, while striking out five. He did not figure into the decision Thursday, but his earned run average in his four starts is a mere 1.29.

The Stripers took the lead with a single run in the second inning and the Clippers countered with a run in the fifth when Estevan Florial singled to drive in Kyle Manzardo, who had singled earlier in the inning.

Columbus added two runs in the eighth. With two outs, Raynel Delgado hit his second triple of the season to knock in a run. George Valera then singled to drive in Delgado. Gwinnett responded with a run in the bottom of the inning to make it 3-2, Clippers.

In the ninth, the Clippers scored two more. Juan Brito walked to lead of the inning. Kyle Manzardo followed with his 20th home run of the season. The Stripers scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to pull within a run and had the bases loaded with two outs. Reliever Franco Aleman struck out J.P. Martínez for the final out.

Aleman picked up his first save of the season. The win went to Nick Mikolajchak (3-1), who pitched a scoreless seventh inning. The loss was charged to Jimmy Herget (0-1), who gave up the two eighth inning runs.

With the win Thursday, the Clippers went to 36-17 in the second half of the season. That puts them atop the International League’s West Division by six games over both Indianapolis and Nashville.

Columbus and Gwinnett play the fourth game of their six-game series Friday. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Connor Gillispie (3-7) will take the mound for the Clippers and will face Drue Hackenberg, who will be making his first Triple-A start.