LumberKings split series with 7-3 win

Grand Chute, WI (April 26, 2018) - The Clinton LumberKings survived a late push from the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to spilt a four-game series with a 7-3 win at Neuroscience Group Field on Thursday afternoon. Tommy Romero earned the win for Clinton with 5.2 shutout innings of work.
The LumberKings (12-5) and Timber Rattlers (5-15) traded zeroes through the first four innings.
 In the top of the fifth the LumberKings broke the scoreless tie. Dimas Ojeda opened the frame with a double to left center field, off Timber Rattlers starter Christian Taugner, and was chased home on the very next pitch when Ryan Scott tripled to right center field. Louis Boyd scored Scott from third two batters later with an RBI single to center.
Taugner (0-3) was given his third loss for his time out, his second against Clinton this season.
Romero (2-1) picked up his second win for the LumberKings for 5.2 shutout innings of work in which he struck out six and walked none.
Clinton then began to pile on against Timber Rattlers reliever Braulio Ortiz in the top of the sixth inning. Ryan Costello doubled off the base of the wall in right to open the inning, the only hit in a four-run rally. Three wild pitches by Ortiz and three consecutive walks led to the biggest run scoring inning of the afternoon.
Eugene Helder added an RBI single for the LumberKings in the top of the ninth to stretch their lead to 7-0. The RBI was Helder's second of the series and season.
Wisconsin did not go away in the bottom of the ninth inning. Sam Delapane worked the ninth for Clinton, and saw his first two pitches of his outing go for home runs. Demi Orimoloye and Gabriel Garcia went back-to-back with home runs for the Timber Rattlers. Delaplane then let the next four me reach to bring home the third run of the inning and load the bases. Wisconsin brought the tying run to the plate in the inning, Midwest League leading home run hitter, Pat McInerney who flew out to center field to end the game.
The LumberKings will travel south to Beloit to open a three-game series with the Snappers on Friday night. Clinton will give the ball to left-hander Ray Kerr (0-1, 9.00) while the Snappers will tap righty Jean Ruiz (0-1, 6.55). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM. Fans looking to listen to the call can hear Erik Oas at 6:15 PM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI.
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