5-run 5th too much for Clinton to overcome

Clinton, IA (August 9, 2018) - A Eugene Helder home run was not enough for the Clinton LumberKings who fell to the Cedar Rapids Kernels 9-4 on Thursday night at Ashford University Field. The loss is the fifth straight for the LumberKings (21-25, 60-56) against the Kernels (30-16, 62-53) this season.
Tyler Jackson made his home starting debut for the LumberKings and threw a season-high four innings. He allowed the game's first run to score in the top of the second inning on an RBI double by Ben Rodriguez.
The LumberKings briefly took the lead in the bottom of the inning. Singles by Dimas Ojeda and Ariel Sandoval set the table for a Rainis Silva two-run double down the line in right that put Clinton on top 2-1.
The lead was short lived for the LumberKings as Ryan Jeffers launched his fourth home run of the year, a two-run homer to left, that put the Kernels in front for good.
Cedar Rapids then added onto to their lead with an unearned run in the fourth against Jackson (1-2). For his time out, Jackson was given the loss allowing four runs, three earned, on four hits while walking one and striking out four.
Helder pulled the LumberKings back to within one with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the fourth. The home run was his seventh of the year and the last run allowed by Kernels starter Randy Dobnak.
Dobnak (8-4) was given the win for a six-inning outing in which he allowed three runs on six hits while walking one and striking out five.
In the top of the fifth, the Kernels pulled away with a five-run rally in which they sent 10 men to the plate to bat around. All of the runs were scored with two out in the inning, as five straight two hits forced in the first four runs across and a walk and RBI single by Akil Baddoo capped the rally at five runs.
Derek Molina then followed Dobnak out of the bullpen for Cedar Rapids and shutout the LumberKings over the final three innings. The work was good enough to earn him his first save of the year.
The LumberKings will meet the Cedar Rapids Kernels for the finale of their three-game series on Friday night. Clinton will throw right-hander Ryne Inman (3-8, 4.92) while the Kernels will tap righty Blayne Enlow (2-4, 3.65). First pitch is slated for 6:30 PM. Fans looking to listen to the game can hear Erik Oas on the call on 100.3 FM WCCI and online at lumberkings.com via the tunein radio ap at 6:15 PM with the pregame show.
The homme stand comes to an end on Friday night with a postgame fireworks spectacular! Come repping your favorite NFL team's colors as we get ready for kickoff with NFL night. One lucky fan will win our raffle for two tickets to a Chicago Bears game.
About the LumberKings 
 
The LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are in their 63rd season in the league and their 10th as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since the club's inception in 1937, 280 former Clinton players have made it to the Major Leagues. The LumberKings play at historic Ashford University Field located off 6th Avenue North at 537 Ballpark Drive. Advertising and tickets for the 2018 season are available by calling (563) 242-0727 or by visiting lumberkings.com