LKings blow five-run leads, fall out of first

Peoria, IL (May 16, 2018) - The biggest inning allowed by Clinton LumberKings pitching this season was the difference in a 7-5 loss to the Peoria Chiefs on Wednesday afternoon at Dozer Park. Peoria (20-16) rallied for six runs in the bottom of the eighth to hand the LumberKings (19-16) their third straight loss.
Clinton jumped on Chiefs starter Alvaro Seijas early, scoring the game's first run in the top of the first. Joseph Rosa led the game off with a double and scored four batters later when Johnny Adams singled through the right-side of the infield. The hit extended Adams hitting streak to 11-games, the longest by a LumberKing this season.
The LumberKings continued to add on against Seijas. In the top of the third, Ryan Costello drove home two runs with a double down the line in right. In the following frame Clinton struck for two more runs chasing Seijas from the game. Four consecutive, two out, hits by LumberKings batters ballooned their lead to 5-0.
Peoria had little to show against LumberKings starter Ryne Inman who threw five strong innings for Clinton but was given a no decision for his time out. The righty held Peoria to just one run.
The Chiefs scored their first run of the afternoon in the bottom of the fifth inning. In Inman's final inning of work, he allowed a two out RBI single to Scott Hurst that pulled Peoria to within four.
The four-run lead held until reliever Kyle Wilcox entered to work the bottom of the eighth. The Chiefs sent ten men to the plate in the inning, registering five hits and scoring six runs to take a 7-5 lead.
The implosion of the LumberKings in the eighth was the most runs surrendered in any inning this season. In Wilcox (2-1) third outing of the year with Clinton he was hung with the loss, with all six of the runs allowed being earned, the first runs he has allowed in Clinton this season.
Paul Balestrieri (1-0) made his season debut for the Chiefs and worked the final four innings to earn the win.
The LumberKings will conclude their four-game series with the Peoria Chiefs on Thursday night. Clinton will throw left-hander Nick Wells (2-2, 5.29) while the Chiefs will counter with righty Zach Prendergast (4-1, 2.25). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM. Fans looking to listen to the call of the game can hear Erik Oas at 6:15 PM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI.
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, 279 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