Chandler goes seven in LumberKings 6-2 win

Clinton, IA (June 8, 2018) - Clay Chandler threw a professional career-high seven innings, and the Clinton LumberKings dropped the Kane County Cougars 6-2 on Friday night at Ashford University Field. Eugene Helder found himself in the majority of the LumberKings (34-26) rallies with a 2-for-2 night at the plate where he scored three runs, walked twice, doubled, and homered.
The first half of the contest seesawed back and forth with the Cougars (30-29) scoring the game's first run on the top of the second.
The LumberKings answered right back with a run in the bottom of the second to tie the game at one. Kane County starter Mack Lemieux issued a pair of one out walks to Helder and Dimas Ojeda and Ryan Scott singled through the left side of the infield for Clinton's first run of the night.
Kane County took their second and final lead of the night in the top of the third. Jasardo Chisholm homered off Chandler (3-1) with two out in the inning for his eighth home run of the season.
Clinton answered right back in the bottom of the inning to again tie the score. Ariel Sandoval doubled to open the frame and scored two batters later on a Ryan Costello RBI single to right.
Lemieux (1-4), who took the loss for Kane County, then allowed a leadoff home run to Helder that put Clinton on top for good. The long fly was his third of the season and was the final run allowed by Lemieux who turned in 5.2 innings for Kane County, surrendering six hits, walking two, and striking out six.
Chandler earned the win for Clinton with a seven-inning performance in which he scattered five hits while walking none and striking out a professional career high eight.
The LumberKings put the game out of reach with a three-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning. Billy Cooke plated the first run with a sacrifice fly to right with the bases loaded and Ryan Scott followed with a two-run single to right center field, his third RBI of the night.
Collin Kober worked the final two innings for Clinton and did not allow a Cougar to reach against him while striking out two and earning his second save of the season.
The LumberKings will play game two of their five-game series with the Kane County Cougars Saturday night. Clinton will throw left-handed pitcher Ray Kerr (1-5, 4.89) while the Cougars will counter with righty Jayson McKinley (1-1, 5.11). First pitch is scheduled 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 tune in radio ap at 6:15 PM with the pregame show.
Saturday will be the second installment of the "Stay Late Concert Series" with a postgame concert performed by Stone Cold Moonshine in the Beer Garden. The fun at Ashford University Field starts in the AM with the 21^st annual Baseball Clinic hosted by players and coaches of the LumberKings! Arrive early to the game and receive a 2018 LumberKings team photo courtesy of Thrivent Financial and Mediacom.
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