The Columbus Clippers scored three runs in the first inning and held on coming down the stretch of their series-opening game with the Toledo Mud Hens at Huntington Park Tuesday for a 6-4 victory. Ralphy Velazquez drove in three runs for the Clippers with a home run and a double. Here are our three takeaways from Tuesday’s action:

1.    The three leading hitters for the Clippers – Cooper Ingle (.307), Angel Genao (.305), and Kody Huff (.275) – all did their jobs Tuesday. They went 4-for-12 with each scoring a run. Huff hit his team-leading 15th home run of the season and also paces the club with 58 RBIs. Ingle earned his first time with Cleveland earlier this month, but is back with Columbus and continues to produce. Neither Genao, who is the 2nd-ranked prospect in the Guardians’ organization, nor the versatile Huff have yet to play in the Big Leagues.

2.   Cleveland’s top prospect, Ralphy Velazquez has been inconsistent at the plate, but showed Tuesday why he is on the top rung of those awaiting their MLB opportunities. He had two extra-base hits against Toledo, his fifth home run as a Clipper and his 11th double. He is now hitting .247 for Columbus in 49 games played after hitting .317 for Akron in 36 contests earlier this season.

3.   It was an interesting day for the pitching staff. Four Clippers took the mound – starter Rorik Maltrud, then Steven Pérez, Carlos Hernández, and Codi Heuer – and all gave up an earned run on a solo homer. Pérez earned the win to go to 3-4 on the season, while Heuer picked up his 6th save. The four gave up nine hits and six walks, while striking out seven.