Geneva, IL (July 2, 2018) - Jack Larsen homered in his second game back from the disabled list and the Clinton LumberKings held on for an 8-7 win over the Kane County Cougars at Northwestern Medicine Field on Monday night. Despite being outhit 13-7, LumberKings (47-34, 8-3) batters drew eight walks
Geneva, IL (July 2, 2018) - Jack Larsen homered in his second game back from the disabled list and the Clinton LumberKings held on for an 8-7 win over the Kane County Cougars at Northwestern Medicine Field on Monday night. Despite being outhit 13-7, LumberKings (47-34, 8-3) batters drew eight walks and held off a Cougars (4-8, 39-42) ninth inning charge.
Clinton starter Randy Bell threw the ball well for the LumberKings turning in six innings while allowing four runs, three earned, on seven hits while walking one and striking out five to earn his first win of the year.
The Cougars scored the game's first run in the bottom of the first on an Ernie De La Trinidad sacrifice fly to center. De La Trinidad lived up to his cleanup role assignment by driving in three runs in a 2-for-4 night at the plate.
Kane County remained out in front until the LumberKings broke through in the top of the fifth against Cougars starter Mack Lemieux and reliever Juan Torres. Despite not collecting a hit in the inning, the LumberKings batted around to send nine men to the plate and score three runs to take a 3-1 lead.
The LumberKings lead did not survive the sixth when the Cougars forced three runs across against Bell (1-0). Luis Silverio doubled home the first run, Jose Herrera drove home the second with an RBI ground out, and Eudy Ramos brought home the third run of the inning when he hit into an error committed by Clinton first basemen Onil Pena.
In the top of the seventh, the LumberKings took the lead for good with their second three-run rally of the night. Four straight walks opened the inning. Torres (2-1) issued the first two before being removed for Erbert Gonzalez. Keegan McGovern collected the big hit in the inning with a bouncing ball through the right side of the infield for a two-run single.
The LumberKings added an unearned run in the eighth and Jack Larsen lined a solo home run to right in the ninth for his ninth big fly of the year to cap Clintons scoring for the night.
Leading 8-5, the LumberKings called on Sam Delaplane for the final three outs. The Cougars opened the inning with a pair of singles and both runners scored to make it a one run game. De La Trinidad singled home the inning's first run and Ryan Grotjohn lifted a sacrifice fly to left for the second run. Delaplane then struck out Luis Silverio with the tying run at first to earn his fifth save of the season.
The LumberKings will conclude their six-game road trip tomorrow night against the Kane County Cougars on Tuesday night. Clinton will throw right-hander Clay Chandler (4-1, 3.31) while the Cougars will counter with righty Jeff Bain (7-2, 2.65). First pitch for game one 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 tune in radio ap at 6:15 PM with the pregame show.
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
