Morgan stings Bees in LumberKings 8-4 win

BURLINGTON, IA (September 3, 2017) - Gareth Morgan slugged his team leading 17^th home run of the season in a LumberKings 8-4 come from behind win over the Burlington Bees on Sunday afternoon at Community Field. The win for the LumberKings (32-36, 63-72) is their eighth of the year against the Bees (28-40, 59-77) and sets up a rubber match for the final game of the season.
Both teams wasted no time in collecting their first runs of the game. Yojhan Quevedo doubled home the first run of the day off Bees starter Elvin Rodriguez in the top of the first for a 1-0 Clinton lead. The lead did not last long as the Bees then answered with a run off LumberKings starter Steven Ridings in the bottom of the inning.
In the bottom of the third, Burlington broke out for three runs to claim a 4-1 lead. Three hits in the inning and an error combined for the Bees offensive outburst with Richie Fecteau's RBI double capping the rally.
Ridings (2-3) earned the win for the LumberKings for a five-inning outing in which he allowed all four of the Bees runs, three earned, while walking one and striking out six.
The LumberKings answered the Bees three-run third with a four-run rally in the fifth. Morgan began the scoring with a solo home run to left. Five batters later Dimas Ojeda capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly to left.
Rodriguez (0-2), was hung with his second loss of the season, both against the LumberKings, for a five inning outing in which he allowed five runs, four earned, on seven hits while walking two and striking out four.
Leading 5-4, the LumberKings then added to their lead with three more runs in the top of the seventh inning. Ojeda collected the big hit in the inning with a bases loaded single up the middle that scored two. The RBIs were the third of the game for Ojeda, the second time this season he has driven in three in a single game.
Steven Moyers earned his first save of the season for the LumberKings for a commanding four shutout inning performance. The lefty struck out a season-high six batters including two in the bottom of the ninth to preserve the LumberKings win.
The LumberKings will now play the final game of the season against the Burlington Bees on Monday afternoon. Clinton left-hander Nick Wells (5-10, 6.46) will take the ball for the LumberKings and face Burlington's right-handed pitcher Andrew Vinson (9-10, 4.71). Game time is slated for 2:00 PM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI beginning at 1:45 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 the league and their ninth as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since the club's inception in 1937, 273 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