Despite a spirited comeback, a rough third inning led by a three-run homer from Dom Nuñez proved too much for the Toledo Mud Hens to overcome in a 7–6 loss to the Columbus Clippers on Saturday at Fifth Third Field.
Matt Manning cruised through the first two innings but unraveled in the third. After committing a fielding error, Manning issued a walk to Dayan Frias. A wild pitch advanced the runners, and Kyle Datres delivered an RBI single to give the Clippers a 2-1 lead.
Following a single to Will Brennan and a walk to Juan Brito, Manning gave up a two-run double to Angel Martínez. Nuñez followed with a three-run homer to right, capping a six-run frame. Manning allowed seven runs — six earned — on five hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings.
Dom Núñez crushes a 3-run homer to put Columbus up 7-1. Matt Manning faced 10 batters in the 3rd inning, allowing seven runs on an error, two walks, and five hits. pic.twitter.com/e6xWuuM9z5
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) March 29, 2025
The Mud Hens struck early with an RBI double from Justyn-Henry Malloy in the first inning. They rallied again in the sixth. Jack Dunn, making his Toledo debut, hit a two-run single to right. A fielding error on the play allowed both Bligh Madris and Riley Unroe to score. Two batters later, Hao-Yu Lee, choosing the right time to get his first Triple-A hit, tripled into right, scoring two to bring Toledo within two.
Hao-Yu Lee with his first hit in a Mud Hens uniform, triple to right, 110 off the bat. pic.twitter.com/Y9G4EBPFmT
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) March 29, 2025
Toledo made it a one-run game in the ninth when Madris singled to left to score Jace Jung and move Andrew Navigato into scoring position. However, the Clippers recorded the final out with the tying and winning runs on base to seal the win. The Mud Hens showed more patience at the plate Saturday, drawing seven walks after collecting just three the night before.
Toledo’s bullpen was a bright spot. Relievers Matt Gage, Chase Lee, Jason Foley and Tyler Owens combined for 6 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out five and keeping the game within reach. Until Owens issued a walk in the ninth, the group had retired 17 consecutive batters.
Foley, sporting a shorter haircut reminiscent of his minor league days, made a surprise appearance in a Mud Hens uniform. Following Andrew Chafin’s unexpected outing the day before, Foley’s return added another familiar — yet unexpected — face to the Toledo mound.
Up next: The Mud Hens wrap up their season-opening series against the Clippers on Sunday before heading to Texas for an interleague matchup with the Pacific Coast League’s Round Rock Express. First pitch Sunday is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.
Joe Rampe