COMSTOCK PARK, MI (May 2, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings held on for a 5-4 win over the West Michigan Whitecaps on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. Early offense from the LumberKings (10-13) proved to be the difference in holding off late rallies from the Whitecaps (15-10).The LumberKings started
COMSTOCK PARK, MI (May 2, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings held on for a 5-4 win over the West Michigan Whitecaps on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. Early offense from the LumberKings (10-13) proved to be the difference in holding off late rallies from the Whitecaps (15-10).
The LumberKings started the scoring with three runs in the top of the third inning. Bryson Brigman leadoff with a single to right, part of a two hit night at the plate, and was followed by a Joe Rizzo walk and Anthony Jimenez bunt single. Jimenez single, turned into runs when Whitecaps starting pitcher Kyle Funkhouser fielded the ball and threw it down the right field lin. The error, brought home both Brigman and Rizzo and put Jimenez at second base. Nick Zammaerelli followed with an RBI single to right to cap the rally. Funkhouser (1-2) did not make it through the third inning and was chased from the game after just 2 and 2/3 innings of work.
In the top of the fourth inning, the LumberKings added to their lead with two more runs. Clinton packed little thumpm in the two-run rally, recoding just one hit. Walks to Luis Rengifo and Gareth Morgan combined with back-to-back hit batters forced home the two runs to give the LumberKings a 5-0 lead.
The Whitecaps battled back. First chasing LumberKings starter Brandon Miller form the game with two out in the fifth inning. Miller was replaced by Jack Anderson who gave up three consecutive singles that brought home the first two runs for the Whitecaps. Anderson (1-0) settled down to record a scoreless sixth inning and earn his first win of the year.
Michael Koval followed Anderson and set down the first three batters he faced. In the bottom of the eighth inning, with two outs recorded, Koval's scoreless inning streak was snapped at 9 and 2/3 when West Michigan rattled off three straight hits. Daniel Pinero tripled to start the offense in the inning and was followed by an RBI single from Austin Athmann and RBI double from Anthony Pereirra.
Marvin Gorgas worked the ninth and retired the Whitecaps on four batters to earn his team leading third save of the season.
The LumberKings set a new season high for walks in the game, seven, in earning just their fourth win away from home this year.
The LumberKings will continue their three-game series with the Whitecaps on Wednesday night. LHP Tim Viehoff (0-2, 3.32) will get the start for Clinton and face West Michigan's LHP Eudis Idrogo (1-1, 2.42). First pitch is slated for 5:35 PM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI beginning at 5:20 PM, Erik Oas will be on the call.
About the LumberKings
The LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are playing their 62nd season in Clinton and their ninth as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since the club's inception in 1937, 268 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
