CLINTON, IA (May 11, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings dropped their third straight game, falling 7-3 to the Great Lakes Loons on Thursday night at Ashford University Field. Defensive superlatives marked the night for both teams, the Loons (16-18) were led defensively by left fielder Gage Green while the LumberKings
CLINTON, IA (May 11, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings dropped their third straight game, falling 7-3 to the Great Lakes Loons on Thursday night at Ashford University Field. Defensive superlatives marked the night for both teams, the Loons (16-18) were led defensively by left fielder Gage Green while the LumberKings (11-20) received two great catches by centerfielder Anthony Jimenez.
Ljay Newsome started for the LumberKings but did not have his best stuff. The righty took the loss snapping a streak of four straight wins. In the top of the third inning, the Loons pushed the first run of the game across by loading the bases on two walks and a single and then having Carlos Rincon ground out to short to bring home the game's first run.
Newsome (4-2) set a professional career-high for walks with three, the last of which factored into Great Lakes two-run bottom of the fourth inning. The inning was Newsome's last, four consecutive hits from Loons batters led-off the top of the fourth inning. Gavin Lux capped the rally with an RBI single that drove home Keibert Ruiz for a 3-0 Loons lead. Lux led the way at the plate for Great Lakes going 4-for-5 with an RBI.
Ronald Dominguez relieved for Clinton and matched a season-high for innings pitched by relievers, with four. In his second inning of work, Dominguez allowed the second two-run rally of the night to the Loons, giving up a leadoff single to Luis Paz and a walk to Saige Jennco before Brendon Davis singled them both home on a line drive to center.
The Loons added a run in the top of the eighth inning on a Davis sacrifice fly to center.
Trailing 6-0, the LumberKings were finally able to get to Loons starter Devin Smeltzer in the bottom of the sixth inning. Smeltzner (2-1), who did not allow a hit until the fourth inning, quickly found himself in trouble after back-to-back singles from Luis Rengifo and Bryson Brigman that led-off the inning for the LumberKings. Following a Joe Rizzo ground out to second, which moved the runners to second and third, Smeltzer was taken out. Vinny Santarsiero came in and allowed an RBI single to Anthony Jimenez before the bases were loaded with two out. Kristian Brito looked as though he collected the big hit with a flare to left center field, but Loons left fielder Green raced in and made a diving catch to end the inning and have the LumberKings strand the bases loaded.
Yojhan Quevedo collected the final run of the game for Clinton with a solo home run to left that was his first long fly of the year.
The LumberKings will play game two of their three-game series against the Great Lakes Lugnuts on Friday night. Left-handed pitcher Danny Garcia (1-3, 5.47) will take the ball for Clinton and face Great Lake's right-handed pitcher A.J. Alexy (0-1, 1.47). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 6:15 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call. Friday will be the 80th birthday celebration for Ashford University Field stay for the whole game as lucky fans will receive an $80 certificate of deposit with Gateway State Bank.
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, 270 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
