A two-run first inning carried the Toledo Mud Hens to a 4-2 victory over the Columbus Clippers on Friday night at Fifth Third Field, keeping Toledo alive, at least mathematically, in the race for the International League’s West Division title. 

Pending Nashville’s result later Friday with Louisville, the Mud Hens (84-61) are 4½ games back of the first-place Sounds and have an elimination number of two. Columbus (81-63) was eliminated from division title contention with Friday’s loss. 

John Valente doubled to lead off the first and came around to score on a two-out base hit from Daz Cameron. Cameron trotted home on a triple from Josh Lester to give the Mud Hens an early 2-0 lead. 

Toledo added to its lead in the fourth. The Mud Hens loaded the bases on walks to Brendon Davis, Andre Lipcius, and Ali Sanchez. Back-to-back free passes to Valente and Zack Short drove in a pair of runs.

Columbus starter Konnor Pilkington (2-5) allowed four runs on three hits and three walks over 3⅓ innings with four strikeouts. 

The Clippers threatened in the ninth. Columbus placed runners on with a double from Trenton Brooks and a fielding error from Lipcius that allowed Jose Fermin to reach base. Oscar Mercado grounded into a double play that plated Brooks, but Miguel Diaz forced Jose Tena to line out and end the game.

Diaz earned the save, his seventh of the season. 

The Clippers scored in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from David Fry. 

Mud Hens starter Daniel Ponce de Leon (4-3) pitched five scoreless innings with four strikeouts, two walks, and three hits. 

The Mud Hens and Clippers continue the series at 5:05 p.m. Saturday at Fifth Third Field. 

First Published September 24, 2022, 2:43 a.m.