Grand slam sinks LumberKings

Clinton, IA (August 8, 2018) - A grand slam by Jacob Pearson of the Cedar Rapids Kernels was the difference in a 6-3 Clinton LumberKings loss on Wednesday night at Ashford University Field. Ariel Sandoval' 16^th home run of the season was not enough for the LumberKings (21-24, 60-55) who lost their fourth straight game to the Kernels (29-16, 61-53).
Cedar Rapids started the scoring immediately against LumberKings starter Scott Boches with an Akil Baddoo home run on the third pitch of the game. Three consecutive hits followed the homer with a Michael Helman RBI single capping the scoring in the top of the first.
Boches settled down following the two-run first to end his night with six innings pitched and five strikeouts. He did not allow a run following the first and walked just two but was given a no decision for his time out.
The LumberKinsg tied the game in the bottom of the sixth. Billy Cooke beat out an infield single to open the frame and was followed by three straight walks, the last forcing him in for the LumberKings first run of the night. Dimas Ojeda singled into center to bring home the game's tying run against Kernels reliever Melvi Acosta.
Sam Delaplane came on in relief in the seventh and pitched himself into trouble by allowing the first three batters to reach to load the bases. He then set down the next two batters before Pearson slugged a 1-1 changeup into the Lumber Lounge in right for a grand slam and his fifth home run of the year.
Delaplane (4-2) was hung with the loss for his time out. He worked two innings allowing four runs, none earned, on two hits while walking one and striking out two.
Jose Martinez followed Acosta (2-4) out of the bullpen and earned his sixth save of the year for three innings of work in which he allowed just one run on one hit and struck out two.
Ariel Sandoval was the one hit allowed by Martinez, launching his 16th home run of the year to leadoff the bottom of the ninth. The home run was estimated to have traveled 409 feet with an exit velocity of 104 MPH.
Martinez then set down the next three LumberKings to earn the save.
The LumberKings will meet the Cedar Rapids Kernels for the second game of their three-game series on Thursday night. Clinton will throw right-hander Tyler Jackson (1-1, 6.41) while the Kernels will tap righty Randy Dobnak (7-4, 3.54). First pitch 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 tunein radio ap at 6:15 PM with the pregame show.
Thursday's are "Thirsty Thursdays" at Ashford University Field. All fans 21 years and older can enjoy Coors Light and Miller Lite can enjoy $2 tall boys all game long. Also, visit the Lyons Professional Association for a special offer on tickets.
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