The winds were gusting at Werner Park Friday. The Columbus Clippers and Omaha Storm Chasers engaged in a see-saw battle that saw the Clippers come from behind to take a two-run lead in the top of the ninth inning, only to watch Omaha score four in the bottom of the inning for a 9-7 walk-off victory.

The Clippers got on the board first in the when Kody Huff hit a solo shot over the right field wall. It was his third of the season. The Storm Chasers responded in the bottom of the inning with back-to-back doubles from Tyler Gentry and Luca Tresh and the game was tied at 1-1. 

That’s the way things stayed until the bottom of the sixth inning. Omaha scored twice on another Tresh double to take a 3-1 lead. Columbus trimmed the margin to one in the top of the seventh when Lane Thomas scored from third on a balk. Omaha then scored two runs in the bottom of the frame on a Clips’ throwing error and a sac fly.

Columbus fought back with two in the eighth. Petey Halpin hit a two-run homer with two outs and the Clippers were behind by only one, 5-4. That set the scene for the emotional rollercoaster that was the ninth inning.

In the top of the frame, the Clippers loaded the bases with no outs. Kyle Datres tied the score with a sacrifice fly. After a strikeout, Halpin knocked in two more runs with a single to right field. Halpin ended the night with three hits, four RBIs, and a run scored. Columbus went to the bottom of the ninth with a two-run lead, 7-5.

The first two Omaha batters in the frame walked. Cam Devanney then singled to drive in a run and cut the Clippers’ lead to one. M.J. Melendez followed with a three-run long ball and Omaha walked off with a 9-7 win without making an out in the ninth.

Columbus starter Parker Messick posted another quality start, going five innings and allowing only one run on four hits and three walks, while striking out five. He did not figure into the decision.

Andrew Misiaszek (0-1) suffered his first loss of the season, giving up Omaha’s four runs in the ninth. With a depleted pitching staff, Omaha pitched by committee Friday. Reliever Andrew Hoffman (1-1) picked up the win, after blowing a save opportunity, by getting the final outs of the Clippers’ ninth inning.

The teams play their fifth game of the series Saturday beginning at 8:05 p.m. EDT. Will Dion (1-3, 5.18) gets the start for Columbus, while Noah Cameron (2-1, 3.31) will take the hill for the Storm Chasers. 

EXTRA BASES:

• Guy Lipscomb came off the bench in his second game with the Clippers Friday and collected his first Triple-A hit.
• Pitcher Triston McKenzie, who has seen action in four games with the Cleveland Guardians and 13 games with the Clippers this season, has been assigned to the ACL Guardians for rehab.
• Outfielder George Valera saw his first action of the season Thursday for the ACL Guardians as he works his way back up in the Guardians’ system.
• The Clippers placed first baseman Micah Pries on the 7-day injured list Friday.