CLINTON, IA (August 6, 2017) - Gareth Morgan's second triple of the season was the key to a Clinton LumberKings 3-2 10-inning walk-off win over the Peoria Chiefs on Sunday afternoon at Ashford University Field. Despite leaving 10 men on base Clinton (18-25, 49-61) overcame missed opportunities to take game
CLINTON, IA (August 6, 2017) - Gareth Morgan's second triple of the season was the key to a Clinton LumberKings 3-2 10-inning walk-off win over the Peoria Chiefs on Sunday afternoon at Ashford University Field. Despite leaving 10 men on base Clinton (18-25, 49-61) overcame missed opportunities to take game two of their four-game series with Peoria (24-19, 54-58).
The game was dominated by early pitching success. LumberKings starter Ljay Newsome, in his longest outing as a professional, turned in eight strong innings while not issuing any walks and striking out three. He held the Chiefs to two runs during his time out but was given a no decision for the start.
Peoria broke the game's scoreless tie in the top of the third inning. Mick Fennell led the inning off with his first home run of the year, smashing a solo home run off the roof of the Lumber Lounge in right for a Peoria 1-0 lead.
Clinton answered back in the bottom of the third inning with two-runs that gave the LumberKings their first lead of the game. Four hits in the inning off Chiefs starter Frederis Parra were the first of the game for Clinton. Joe Rizzo singled to center to score Johnny Slater for the LumberKings first run and Yojhan Quevedo collected an infield single that was combined with a throwing error on Peoria shortstop Kramer Robertson that allowed Brigman to score from third.
Leading 2-1, the LumberKings held the lead through the fifth inning. In the top of the sixth, Robertson doubled to lead off, moved to third on a fly out to left, and scored on a Brian O'Keefe sacrifice fly to center, tying the game.
From the seventh through the ninth, the LumberKings threated against Chiefs relievers but could not force the go-ahead run across. They left two men on in the seventh, three in the eighth, and had Brigman caught stealing second to end the ninth.
In the bottom of the 10th Clinton finally broke through. Gareth Morgan tripled off the wall in right center with one out and was followed by a Nick Thurman game-winning fielder's choice to short against a Chiefs drawn in infield that was his second walk-off as a LumberKing this season.
Michael Koval earned the win for Clinton with two shutout innings of relief. Koval (3-6) worked around three hits while combining with Newsome to not allow any walks in an impressive ten inning pitching performance by Clinton.
Colton Thomson (1-1), who surrendered the 10th inning run for Peoria was given his first loss of the season.
The LumberKings play game three of their four-game series with the Peoria Chiefs on Monday night. Right-handed pitcher Steven Ridings (0-1, 6.35) will take the ball for Clinton and face Peoria left-handed pitcher Austin Warner (1-2, 4.70). Game time is slated for 6:30 PM (C.D.T.) with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI beginning at 6:15 PM, Erik Oas will be on the call. Monday will be "Mariners Monday" with the LumberKngs taking the field in their parent club, Seattle Mariners, jerseys while wearing special Louie the LumberKing Mariner color themed hats.
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, 271 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
