The Columbus Clippers took a 5-0 lead into the top of the ninth inning against the visiting Memphis Redbirds Friday, then survived a three-run rally, leaving two on the basepaths, for a 5-3 win at Huntington Park.

The evening started with a quick Clipper offensive, as the home team scored five runs in the first three innings. In the second frame, Columbus plated two on singles from Raynel Delgado and Christian Cairo.

In the third inning, George Valera singled to drive in a runner from third base. Myles Straw then grounded into a fielder’s choice during which Gabriel Aria was thrown out at home. After Dom Nuñez walked, it was Delgado once again, as he singled and knocked in two more runs.

On the mound, the Clippers shined through the first eight innings. Starter Connor Gillispie went 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, walking three, and striking out four. Reliever Eric Sabrowski (5-1) then shut the Redbirds out for 2.2 innings to earn the win. Nick Mikolajchak followed with a scoreless eighth inning.

Memphis looked to spoil the party in the ninth. Against Columbus reliever Andrew Walters, the Redbirds were able to put together four hits and a walk to score three times. Walters gave way to Anthony Gose who recorded the last out of the game with a strikeout to earn his ninth save of the season. Memphis starter Victor Santos (3-7) was pinned with the loss.

The Clippers and the Redbirds play the fifth game of their six-game series Saturday with the first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. at Huntington Park.