CLINTON, IA (July 14, 2017) - Home runs from Nick Zammarelli III and Yojhan Quevedo were just enough for the Clinton LumberKings to take the series finale, 4-3, from the Dayton Dragons on Friday night at Ashford University Field. Jack Anderson held off late charges from the Dragons (7-15, 48-44)
CLINTON, IA (July 14, 2017) - Home runs from Nick Zammarelli III and Yojhan Quevedo were just enough for the Clinton LumberKings to take the series finale, 4-3, from the Dayton Dragons on Friday night at Ashford University Field. Jack Anderson held off late charges from the Dragons (7-15, 48-44) to preserve the Clinton (8-14, 39-50) win and take the series.
Ljay Newsome started for Clinton and shutout Dayton through the first two innings before surrendering the game's first run in the top of the third inning. Malik Collymore initiated the rally with a double, moved to third on a Gabriel Ovalle single, and then scored on a Jose Siri sacrifice fly to right.
The Dragons then added to their lead with an unearned run in the fourth, ending the night for Newsome. Lane Ratliff replaced him in the top of the fifth inning and struggled to throw strikes early in the outing. Siri and Michael Beltre reached on consecutive walks to open up the inning. Two batters latter Tyler Stephenson scored Siri with an RBI single to center for a Dragons 3-0 lead.
Ratliff (2-2) settled down following the fifth inning to earn his second win of the season. He worked three innings, allowed one run, on three hits, while walking three and striking out three.
LumberKings batters struggled to string hits together against Dragons starter Matt Blandino who shut them out through the first five frames. Finally, in the bottom of the sixth Blandino was chased from the game following a one out walk to Luis Regifo and two-run homer to Quevedo. The homer was Quevedo's fourth of the year and pulled Clinton to within one.
Dauri Moreta then replaced Blandino and walked Nick Thurman to begin his outing. Nick Zammarelli followed with the game's deciding blow, a two-run home run into the Lumber Lounge in right field to give the LumberKings a 4-3 lead.
Jack Anderson worked the final two innings for Clinton and earned his third save of the season with two innings of work.
In the top of the ninth inning, Siri singled to lead-off the frame and moved to third on a combination stolen base and throwing error by catcher Nick Thurman, placing the tying run at third with nobody out. Two batters later, with the infield drawn in, Siri attempted to score on a Taylor Trammell ground but failed to touch the plate on a head first dive. Thurman had failed to apply the tag on Siri when he realized home plate umpire Donnie Smith had yet to make a call. Thurman then tagged out Siri who was on his knees behind the plate for the second out of the inning. Bruce Yari then ground out to second to end the game.
The LumberKings will welcome in the Bowling Green Hot Rods for a three games series starting on Saturday night. Right-handed Brandon Miller (8-4, 3.60) will take the ball for Clinton. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 6:15 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI or online at www.lumberkings.com, Erik Oas is on the call. Arrive early and stay late on Saturday for a USB car charger giveaway courtesy of Casey's General store and KWQC-TV. Also on Saturday, remember to stay late for a special post-game concert from Todd Striley and the Noize.
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
