Clinton takes 3rd straight to move into 1st

Clinton, IA (June 9, 2018) - Strong pitching and just enough offense was how the Clinton LumberKings took their third straight game, dropping the Kane County Cougars 3-1 on Saturday night at Ashford University Field. Ariel Sandoval represented a third of the LumberKings (35-26) offense, slugging his eighth home run of the season in the bottom of the first.
Cougars (30-30) starting pitcher Jayson McKinley allowed all three of the LumberKings runs over his 4.2 inning outing. Sandoval's first inning home run was just the sixth pitch of the game thrown by McKinley (1-2) and gave the LumberKings a lead they would not relinquish.
In the bottom of the second, Clinton added on with a two-out rally. Dimas Ojeda doubled down the line in left and was then followed by a Nick Thurman bloop RBI single to left.
The Cougars scored their only run of the game off LumberKings starter Ray Kerr. In the top of the third a leadoff double by Yan Sanchez turned into a run when Joey Rose chased him home with an RBI single to right center.
Kerr (2-5) allowed no more runs during his five innings of work and earned the win for Clinton. The lefty allowed just three hits, Kane County's only hits of the night, and walked none while striking out six.
The LumberKings added to their lead with the final run of the night in the bottom of the fifth, again with two out in the inning. Billy Cooke was hit by a pitch and then scored when Joseph Rosa dropped a bunt single down the third base line and Cougars first basemen Yoel Yanqui threw back to third and airmailed his teammate allowing Cooke to score easily from second.
The additional insurance run for Clinton proved unnecessary as reliever Marvin Gorgas and Scott Boches combined to no-hit the Cougars over the final four frames. Gorgas picked up his first hold of the season for two perfect innings of relief. Boches then earned his first save of the season for two innings of relief in which he held the Cougars to a two out ninth inning walk.
The games was the quickest played by the LumberKings this season, two hours and 26 minutes and gives the LumberKings their third consecutive win.
The LumberKings will play games three and four of their five-game series with the Kane County Cougars on Sunday afternoon. Clinton will throw left-handers Oliver Jaskie (2-5, 5.65) and Steven Moyers (0-0, 4.11) while the Cougars will counter with righties Jhoan Duran (2-1 2.25) and Jake Winston (0-0, 6.00). First pitch for game one is slated for 12:00 PM with the second game to begin approximately 30 minutes following the final out of game one. 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 12:00 PM.
Sunday will be Bark in the Park day at Ashford University Field sponsored by Buddy Gourmet. Arrive early for the third installment of the Baseball Gard Strip Giveaway courtesy of Clinton National Bank and Mediacom.
Sunday's are "Family Fun Day Sundays" at Ashford University Field with balloon artists, face painting, and postgame kids runs the bases all courtesy of Children's Discovery Center.
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