Clinton breaks out in 13-6 win over Bandits

Clinton, IA (May 30, 2018) - The Clinton LumberKings thumped the Quad Cities River Bandits 13-6 on Tuesday night at Ashford University Field to move a half back of first place in the Western Division. A five-run first and four-run eighth inning went a long way in giving the LumberKings (29-23) their most lopsided win at home this season.
Quad Cities (30-23) was the first team to strike in a night filled with offense. Jake Meyers opened the game with a home run off the foul pole in left and was followed four batters later by the second home run of the inning, a two-run shot by Jake Adams.
Trailing 3-0 before even swinging the bats, the LumberKings answered right back with five-runs in the bottom of the first. The first three men reached against River Bandits starter Jairo Solis to bring up the cleanup hitter Jack Larsen. On the fourth pitch of the at-bat Larsen dropped a double over the head of center fielder Meyers to clear the bases and tie the game at three.
The rally continued following the Larsen three-run double with RBI singles by Ryan Costello and Ryan Scott.
Solis (0-1) recorded just one out in his season debut for the River Bandits, the earliest the LumberKings have knocked a starter out of the game this season. Of the five runs he allowed, four were earned and he was given the loss for his time out.
The LumberKings continued to add on following the first inning. Eugene Helder singled home a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and back-to-back RBI ground outs by Costello and Louis Boyd put Clinton on top 9-6.
Chris Castellano (3-0) picked up the win for the LumberKings in his first appearance with the team since returning from Extended Spring Training. The lefty worked 2.1 innings allowed only one hit and was charged with allowing two runs while walking one and striking out two.
The second biggest rally of the game for Clinton came in their final inning up at the plate, the bottom of the eighth. Ariel Sandoval drove home the tenth run of the game with an RBI single to right which was followed three batters later by a two-run Costello double.
Costello matched a season high with four RBI and went 2-for-4 with a double and a walk.
The LumberKings will return meet the Quad Cities River Bandits on Thursday night for the finale of their three-game series. Clinton will throw right-handed pitcher Ryne Inman (2-2, 4.25) while Quad Cities will turn to righty Yohan Ramirez (4-3, 2.87). 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.
The game will feature Halloween night at the ballpark. Marlena Midnite will be in attendance to lead our spooky festivities as Ashford University Field is transformed into the Midwest League's most haunted ballpark. Thursday's are two "Thirsty Thursdays" at Ashford University Field. All fans 21 years and older can enjoy two-dollar Coors Light and Miller Lite tall boys. Special tickets to this game are available through Community State Bank.
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