LumberKings fall flat in 4-1 loss to Cougars

Clinton, IA (July 5, 2018) - The Clinton LumberKings fell flat in a 4-1 loss to the Kane County Cougars on Thursday night at Ashford University Field. The Cougars (6-9, 41-43) made a three-run first inning rally hold up in the LumberKings (9-5, 49-36) second straight loss.
Clinton starter Scott Boches ran into trouble in the game's opening frame. Gabriel Maciel and Jasrado Chisholm singled to open the game and errors by shortstop Johnny Adams and first basemen Onil Pena allowed for three Cougar runs to come across before the LumberKings got to swing the bats.
Boches (2-2) was given the loss for his time out but threw the ball well in just his second start of his professional career. He worked five innings allowing three runs, all unearned, on five hits while walking none and striking out five.
The LumberKings could not answer the first inning rally by Kane County as Cougars starter Brian Shaffer dominated over his six innings of work. He allowed no runs during his time out, scattered two hits, and walked none while striking out nine.  
Shaffer (4-5) earned the win for Kane County and handed the ball over to Cole Bartlett who allowed the LumberKings only run of the night.
In the bottom of the seventh, Keegan McGovern led off with a single to center and was driven home two batters later on an RBI double by Dimas Ojeda high off the wall in right. Ojeda ended his night going 2-for-2 with two doubles and two walks.
The Cougars answered the Clinton run in the top of the eighth inning with an RBI single by Ernie De La Trinidad to reclaim a three-run lead.
Rafael Pujols worked the bottom of the ninth for Kane County and issued three walks to load the bases before retiring Joseph Rosa on a pop up to left to end the game and earn his first save of the season.
The LumberKings will now travel to Harry Pohlman Field to open a four-game series and road trip with the Beloit Snappers starting on Friday night. Clinton will throw left-hander Oliver Jaskie (4-7, 5.91) while the Snappers will counter with righty Jean Ruiz (1-6, 5.72). First pitch for game one is slated for 7:00 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 tune in radio ap at 6:45 PM with the pregame show.
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