Offense goes flat in 4-2 loss

BELOIT, WI (August 11, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings offense went flat for the second straight night against the Beloit Snappers and fell 4-2 on Friday night at Harry Pohlman Field. Despite outhitting the Snappers (27-19, 57-58) eight to seven the LumberKings (18-28, 49-64) could not score runners, leaving 11 men on base.
The LumberKings looked to score early against Snappers starter Matt Milburn. In the top of the first inning, Clinton had the first men reach with singles but had nothing to show for it when the inning ended with a Gareth Morgan strikeout.
Beloit scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the second inning. Kyle Nowlin doubled off Danny Garcia and was chased home two batters later when Jesus Lopez doubled to right.
Clinton answered the run in the top of the fourth inning. Nick Zammarelli III doubled against Milburn (7-9) and scored on a Dimas Ojeda two out RBI single into center field that tied the game at one.
The game's decisive rally came in the bottom of the fifth inning. Three hits off Garcia (6-11) forced home two runs for Beloit to give the Snappers a lead they would not relinquish.
The LumberKings pulled to within one in the top of the eighth inning. Bryson Brigman was hit by a pitch off the back of the helmet and scored following two singles. Jhombeyker Morales singled home Brigman for the LumberKings final run of the game.
The Snappers added an unearned run in the bottom of the eighth to reclaim their two-run lead.
John Gorman than set down the LumberKings 1-2-3 in the top of the ninth inning to earn his first save of the season.
The LumberKings will play game three of their three-game series with the Beloit Snappers on Saturday night. Right-handed pitcher Ljay Newsome (6-8, 4.70) will take the ball for Clinton and face the Snappers right-handed pitcher Xavier Altamirano (7-3, 3.13). Game time is slated for 7:00 PM (C.D.T.) with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI beginning at 6:45 PM, Erik Oas will be on the call.
The LumberKings return to Ashford University Field on Monday, August 14 with a four-game home stand against the Kane County Cougars.
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