Bats fall silent in 2-1 loss

Beloit, WI (April 27, 2018) - The Clinton LumberKings could muster just one run against Beloit Snappers pitching in a 2-1 loss at Harry Pohlman Field on Friday night. A Matt Clancy wild pitch in the bottom of the eighth inning proved to be the difference in the series opening loss.
It took until the top of the third inning for the LumberKings (12-6) to tally their first hits of the night. Three consecutive hits off Snappers (9-7) starter Jean Ruiz pushed across Clinton's first, and only, run of the night. Louis Boyd singled with one out in the inning and scored all the way from first when Ryan Scott doubled down the line at third. The RBI was Scott's fourth of the season and his third to come against Ruiz.
The LumberKings and starter Ray Kerr held the lead until the bottom of the fifth inning. Jesus Lopez lead off with a double, his first extra base hit of the season, and scored on a combination sacrifice bunt and sacrifice fly to tie the game at one. The run was the only one allowed by Kerr over his six innings of work.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Snappers broke the 1-1 tie against Lumberkings reliever Clancy (0-1). Mickey McDonald and Austin Beck each singled to leadoff the inning and advanced on a sacrifice bunt. With runners at second and third and one out, Clancy threw a wild pitch to score McDonald for what proved to be the decisive run.
Wyatt Marks relieved Snappers starter, Ruiz, and picked up the win. Marks (3-1) went the rest of the way for Beloit not allowing a run over his 4.2 inning outing in which he walked one and struck out nine.
The LumberKings will play game two of their three-game series with the Beloit Snappers Saturday night. Clinton will give the ball to left-hander Oliver Jaskie (1-0, 0.59) while the Snappers will tap righty Xavier Altamirano (0-1, 2.79). First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM. Fans looking to listen to the call of the game can hear Erik Oas at 3:45 PM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI.
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, 279 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