The Columbus Clippers scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning to take a three-run lead and never looked back, topping the Iowa Cubs, 12-8, in the series finale Sunday at Huntington Park. Five different Clippers had a multi-hit afternoon en route to the win. Here are our three takeaways from Saturday’s game:

1.    Milán Tolentino had a great series against the I-Cubs. The 24-year-old shortstop went 10-for-20 with four home runs and 10 RBIs to raise his season batting average to .309. Already known as an outstanding defensive player, he has begun to demonstrate an ability to drive the ball and hit consistently. He was drafted by Cleveland in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB draft out of high school in Mission Viejo, Calif. His dad, José, played for the Houston Astros in 1991.

2.   Left-handed reliever Kolby Allard has had a tough season. The 28-year-old, who has 113 MLB games under his belt, broke spring camp with the Cleveland Guardians. His four appearances with the Guardians did not go well. He gave up 10 runs on 16 hits and posted an ERA of 10.38. This week, he was designated for assignment, cleared waivers, and opted to return to the organization. On Sunday, he struggled, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks in his one inning of work. Here’s hoping he gets back to his 2025 form, when had an ERA of 2.63 in 33 appearances with Cleveland.

3.   The Clippers are now 11-10 through the first three and a half weeks of the season. Hitting has been strong out of the gate. Four players are hitting at or over .300 after a solid series with the I-Cubs: Cooper Ingle (.357), Stuart Fairchild (.333), Milán Tolentino (,309), and CJ Kayfus (.300). Close behind are Nolan Jones (.290), Kody Huff (.286), and Travis Bazzana (.270). Columbus is second in the 20-member International League in team hits (188), and third in batting average (.265), runs (126), and home runs (32).