Miller leads LumberKings to pitcher's duel win

CLINTON, IA (June 14, 2017) - Brandon Miller continued to pitched well for the Clinton LumberKings leading them to a pitcher's duel win over the Beloit Snappers on Wednesday night at Ashford University Field. The win was Clinton's (29-34) fourth straight, the longest wining streak in the league, and their seventh over their last eight games.
Miller allowed little to the Snappers (31-34) over his seven innings of work. The righty matched his longest outing of the season, allowing just one run while walking one and striking out four to earn his team-leading eighth win of the year.
The LumberKings backed Miller (8-3) with early offense. In the bottom of the second inning, Luis Liberato turned a one out singe into the game's first run. Nick Zammarelli III singled to center and Liberto went from first to third on the play but then scored when Beloit second basemen Nate Mondou dropped the relay throw, allowing Liberato to score for an early 1-0 Clinton lead.
The deciding rally of the game came in the bottom of the fourth inning. Joe Rizzo led-off with a walk and was followed by an Anthony Jimenez single to left. Liberato moved the runners to second and third on a sacrifice bunt, but following a ground out by Yojhan Quevedo, Snappers starter Seth Martinez looked as though he might escape the jam. Nick Zammarelli then drove a 1-2 fastball to right to bring home Rizzo and Jimenez for a two-run single.
Martinez (1-2) allowed no more over his five innings of work but was hung with the loss when Miller, Lane Ratliff, and Kyle Wilcox held the Snappers to just two runs.
In the top of the ninth, the Snappers rallied to pull to within one run. Edwin Diaz singled and moved to second on a Kyle Nowlin walk. Two pitches later Diaz scored on a combination fly out and passed ball that moved Nowlin to second where he represented the tying run. Wilcox recovered to strikeout Jason Goldstein to end the game and earn his second save of the year.
The LumberKings have now taken the first two games of the series and will look for the sweep on Thursday night. This marks the first time this season that Clinton has won back-to-back series.
The LumberKings will play the final game of their three-game home stand and series with the Beloit Snappers on Thursday night. Right-handed pitcher Ljay Newsome(4-6, 4.80) will take the ball for Clinton and face Beloit's left-handed pitcher matt Milburn (2-5, 5.60). 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. Thursday's are "Thirsty Thursday" at Ashford University Field with $1 ten-ounce Coors Light and Miller Lite draft beers. The LumberKings will also be wearing special throw back jerseys and caps to pay tribute to prior major league affiliations in Clinton.
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