LumberKings thump Whitecaps to take series

Comstock Park, MI (May 8, 2018) - A season high 13 runs by the Clinton LumberKings was more than enough in a lopsided 13-1 win over the West Michigan Whitecaps on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. Three LumberKings (17-11) scored three runs in the game in the largest margin of victory of the season.
Ray Kerr started for Clinton and rebounded from a 1/3 of an inning start his last time out to pick up his first win of his professional career. He held the Whitecaps (17-14) to one run over a five inning start.
Kerr (1-2) allowed the Whitecaps only run of the game in the bottom of the third. A two out double by Brady Policelli scored Alexis Garcia for a brief West Michigan 1-0 lead.
The LumberKings then broke out for the first of their two five-run rallies in the top of the fourth. Three straight walks by Whitecaps starter Elvin Rodriguez opened the inning. Ryan Costello followed with an RBI single to right to tie the game and Dimas Ojeda doubled home two runs to give the LumberKings a lead they would not relinquish.
Rodriguez (2-2) was chased from the game following Ojeda's double. He was given the loss for his time out and was charged with all five of Clinton's runs in the fourth.
In the following inning, the LumberKings stretched their lead with a three-run rally in the top of the fifth. With the bases loaded, Nick Thurman lined a triple down the first base line to clear the bases and give Clinton an 8-1 lead.
In the top of the sixth, the LumberKings batted around for the second time in the game. Five runs came across in the inning to push the LumberKings over the 10-run mark for the first time of the season.
Clay Chandler earned an unconventional save. Despite the lopsided score, Chandler threw four innings to keep the bullpen rested and was awarded his first save of the season.
Eugene Helder, Johnny Adams, and Dimas Ojeda each scored three runs in the offensive explosion, while the LumberKings set a new season high for hits in a game with 16.
The win gives the LumberKings their first series win in May and will give them a chance for a series sweep tomorrow.
The LumberKings play the finale of their three-game set with the West Michigan Whitecaps on Wednesday afternoon. Clinton will throw left-hander Oliver Jaskie (1-1, 4.50) in game three of the three-game set while the Whitecaps will counter with righty Matt Manning (0-1, 8.38). First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 PM (ET). Fans looking to listen to the call of the game can hear Erik Oas at 11:50 AM (ET) 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