Columbus’ Laporta drives in 2

The Toledo Mud Hens offense could not come up with enough offense late in the game Friday night, falling to the Columbus Clippers 4-3.

Down 4-2 in the ninth, the Hens made some noise as Ryan Strieby knocked in a run — giving him 73 RBIs on the season. Yet, Scott Thorman grounded out with Danny Worth on second to end the game.

Andy Oliver (8-12) pitched well in defeat, striking out six and allowing three runs in six innings of work. Strieby, Thorman, and Audy Ciriaco each contributed with an RBI each.

The Mud Hens (65-76) started off strong and loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning, but the offense sputtered and Toledo was only able to cash in one run when Thorman singled to right field to plate Justin Henry.

The Hens held the Clippers (87-54) until the fourth when Columbus struck for two runs. Both runs came on bases loaded walks dished out by Oliver. The Clippers extended their lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth after Matt Laporta pulled a home run over the left field fence.

Strieby started the sixth off with a single. Two batters later, Clete Thomas singled to center, advancing Strieby to second. Jeff Salazar added a single of his own to load the bases. A sacrifice fly by Ciriaco scored Strieby and brought the Hens within one at 3-2. The Mud Hens failed to do further damage as Omir Santos grounded out to end the inning.

Laporta knocked in a run in the bottom of the seventh to put the Hens in a 4-2 hole.