Early offense too much to overcome in 7-4 loss

CLINTON, IA (May 26, 2017) - Seven runs allowed by Clinton LumberKings pitching in the first four innings proved too much to overcome in a 7-4 loss to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Friday night at Ashford University Field. The LumberKings (18-27) made a late charge in the ninth, scoring twice, and bring the tying run to the plate before coming up short in the series opener with Wisconsin (22-23).
Nick Wells started for the LumberKings and was hit hard in an abbreviated two plus inning outing. The Timber Rattlers jumped on Wells (1-5) for two runs in the first inning on a Tucker Neuhaus two-run double.
Wisconsin added on against Wells, Ronnie Gideon led off the second inning with a solo home run to left, his first long fly of the year. In the top of the third inning, Wells failed to record an out in the biggest Timber Rattlers rally of the night. Wells walked three in the inning, around a Neuhaus RBI double and was removed after issuing a bases loaded walk to Jose Cuas.
The Timber Rattlers added one more run in the top of the fourth inning when they pushed across an unearned run against LumberKings reliever Jack Anderson.
Anderson set a new professional career high for innings pitched, with four innings of work. He did not allow a hit or walk during his time out and struck out two.
The LumberKings offense struggled to string hits together against Wisconsin starter Zack Brown. It was not until the bottom of the third that the LumberKings put their first runs of the board. Gareth Morgan reached via a strikeout and wild pitch and was chased home when Luis Liberato tripled to center field on the very next pitch. Liberato's triple was his fifth of the year, and he scored the second run of the game for Clinton when Rayder Ascanio lifted and RBI sacrifice fly to center.
Brown (2-2) pitched six innings for Wisconsin and did not issue a walk while striking out six to earn his second win of the season.
The LumberKings rallied in the bottom of the ninth off Brown's replacement Aaron Myers. Joe Rizzo singled to lead-off the inning and was followed by Anthony Jimenez who homered to left on the very next pitch. The rally did not end there. Yojahn Quevedo punched a single to right and Morgan drew a walk that brought the tying run to the plate. Liberato lined out to second to end the game.
Myers worked three innings to earn his third save of the season.
The LumberKings will play game two of their four-game home stand and series with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Right-handed pitcher Ljay Newsome (4-3, 4.40) will take the ball for Clinton and face Wisconsin's Right-handed pitcher Thomas Jankins (2-3, 4.65). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 6:15 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call.
About the LumberKings
The LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are playing their 62nd season in the league and their ninth as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since the club's inception in 1937, 270 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. Tickets to all 70 home games are available by calling (563) 242-0727 or by visiting lumberkings.com