Five-run third sinks LumberKings

FORT WAYNE, IN (July 21, 2017) - A five-run bottom of the third inning for the Fort Wayne TinCaps was the deciding rally of a 6-3 Clinton LumberKings loss on Friday night at Parkview Field. After failing to put a runner on through the first five innings, Clinton (11-17, 42-54) mustered a late charge that came up short.
Steven Ridings made his LumberKings debut as Clinton's starter but lasted just 2.2 innings. The righty failed to get through the bottom of the third when Fort Wayne (18-10, 45-54) rallied to send nine men to the plate and score five runs. Brad Zunica had the big hit of the inning, a two-run home run to right that went for his 16 of the season.
Ridings (0-1) was removed following a Jack Suwinski two-run double that capped the TinCaps rally. Steven Moyers followed out of the LumberKings bullpen and allowed the TinCaps final run of the night in the bottom of the fourth.
Moyers and Michael Koval then combined to shutout Fort Wayne over the final four innings.
Reggie Lawson started for Fort Wayne and was perfect through his first five innings and did not allow a man to reach until Dimas Ojeda singled to open the top of the sixth inning. The LumberKings then strung three hits together to put two runs on the board and chase Lawson (3-3) from the game.
Ojeda was the only LumberKings to have a multi-hit game for Clinton, going 2-for-4 with a double, and a run scored.
Clinton added one more run in the top of the ninth inning on back-to-back doubles from Nick Thurman and Gareth Morgan but would get no closer to the TinCaps in a 6-3 series finale loss.
The loss breaks a string of two consecutive series win by the LumberKings.
The LumberKings move on for a three-game series with the Lake County Captains starting on Saturday night. Left-handed pitcher Nick Wells (3-7, 6.34) will take the ball for Clinton and face Lake County's right-handed pitcher Justin Garza (2-4, 5.97). First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 5:45 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call.  
The LumberKings return home to Ashford University Field on Wednesday, July 26 for the first of three- games with the Quad Cities River Bandits. Wednesdays are "Wing Wednesdays" at Ashford University Field with 50 cent wings all game long
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, 271 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