LKings drop 1st extra inning contest of year

Clinton, IA (May 1, 2018) - The Clinton LumberKings fell to the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Tuesday night at Ashford University Field, 2-1, in the team's first extra inning contest of the season. The free base runner placed on second to start each extra inning proved to be the deciding run in an otherwise exciting pitcher's duel.
The LumberKings (14-7) and Hot Rods (13-11) allowed a run apiece over the first nine innings. Clinton starter Nick Wells surrendered the first run of the night in the top of the second. With two out in the frame, Bowling Green strung three hits together with Devin Davis scoring Moises Gomez with an RBI double.
Wells turned in a quality start for the LumberKings, his first of the season, and gave up just one run over six innings of work while allowing four hits, walking two, and striking out four.
Hot Rods starter Drew Strotman was equally impressive for Bowling Green. The righty set a new professional career-high for strikeouts with nine over a six inning start. He held the LumberKings to one run on three hits while walking two batters.
The only run Clinton tallied on the night tied the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. Failing to record a hit through the first four frames, Jack Larsen singled into center field to get the LumberKings into the hit column. On the very next pitch, Johnny Adams doubled over the right fielder's head to score Larsen from first. Adams was then thrown out on the play trying to advance to third on the throw home.
Clinton nearly avoided extra innings in the bottom of the ninth. With one out and the potential winning run on at first, Tyler Zombro entered the game and promptly retired Eugene Helder for the second out of the inning. Ryan Scott then double down the line at third setting up a play at the plate as Ryan Costello attempted to score from first. Bowling Green teamed up on a relay throw to cut down Costello at the plate to end the ninth and send the game into extra innings.
The Hot Rods scored what proved to be the game's deciding run in the top of the tenth off Adonis De La Cruz (0-1). Per new Minor League Baseball rules, the inning opened with a runner at second, Gomez. A wild pitch and a sacrifice fly later scored him for the games deciding run.
Zombro (1-0) worked around the LumberKings free base runner in the bottom of the inning with a strikeout, pop out, and ground out to receive his first win of the season.
The LumberKings will play game two of their three-game set with the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Wednesday afternoon. The LumberKings will throw right-hander Tommy Romero (2-1, 1.29) against Hot Rods righty Tobias Myers (1-2, 4.76). First pitch is scheduled for 11 AM. Fans looking to listen to the call of the game can hear Erik Oas at 10:45 AM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI.
Wednesdays are "Retro Beer Days" at Ashford University Field. Two-dollar Hamm's, PBR, and Miller High Life are available to all fans 21 years and older.
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