Losing streak reaches five games

Clinton, IA (May 6, 2018) - Another big inning by Clinton LumberKings pitching proved to be the difference in a 9-5 loss to the Dayton Dragons on Saturday night at Ashford University Field. Six runs by the Dragons (15-11) in the fourth inning was too much for the LumberKings (14-11) to overcome in their fifth straight loss.
Dayton started the scoring in the top of the first inning. Ryne Inman started for Clinton and hit the first batter of the game with his very first pitch of the night. A single, fly out, and sacrifice fly combination plated Jeter Downs for the Dragons first run of the night.
The LumberKings answered in the bottom of the first with a two-run rally. Louis Boyd, Ariel Sandoval, and Ryan Costello each singled off Dragons starter Packy Naughton to score their first run of the night. Greifer Andrade added an RBI ground out to score Sandoval for the second run of the inning. The momentary lead was Clinton's first lead since Sunday, April 29^th in Beloit.
Inman's (1-2) final inning was the fourth. The Dragons teed off for three home runs in the inning, starting with Hendrik Clementina's third home run of the series. The two-run home run that started the scoring in the fourth for Dayton was followed three batters later by a Downs two-run home run to center field. Michael Beltre capped the scoring in the inning with the third two-run home run of the frame.
The big inning proved to be more than enough support for Naughton (3-1) who worked seven innings to pick up his third win of the year. He held the LumberKings to just two runs while surrendering just five hits, all singles, and did not walk a batter while registering eight strikeouts.
Clinton rallied in the bottom of the ninth inning to put up three runs and to pull to within four. Dimas Ojeda doubled to left center to score Ryan Costello and Eugene Helder followed with a two-run home run to left center, his second of the year.
The loss marks the fifth straight for the LumberKings and hands them their second series loss of the season.
The LumberKings will host the Dayton Dragons for game the final game of their three-game set on Sunday afternoon. Clinton will throw left-hander Nick Wells (2-1, 4.51) while the Dragons will counter with righty Tyler Mondile (0-2, 10.62). First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM. Fans looking to listen to the call of the game can hear Erik Oas at 1:45 PM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI.
Sunday's are Kid's Days at Ashford University Field. Children can take part in face painting, balloon artists, and postgame kids run the bases all courtesy of the Children's Discovery Center. Also, see the Clinton area D.A.R.E. organization for a special offer on tickets to Sunday's game. No alcohol sales will be made during D.A.R.E. day at the ballpark.
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