Two-run LumberKings ninth splits series

BELOIT, WI (August 13, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings rallied for two runs in the top for the ninth inning for a 4-2 win, that split a four-game series with the Beloit Snappers on Sunday afternoon at Harry Pohlman Field. The LumberKings (20-29, 51-65) held three different leads in the game but held on for the win, their second straight in Beloit.
The LumberKings first lead of the day came quickly. Snappers (26-22, 58-59) starter Zack Erwin retired the first two batters of the game but then served up a solo home run to Yojhan Quevedo. Quevedo's smash went over the batter's eye in straightaway center field for his sixth home run of the season.
Beloit answered the run in the bottom of the first inning. Kyle Nowlin doubled off LumberKings starter Steven Ridings to plate Edwin Diaz, tying the game at one.
Ridings threw the ball well for Clinton and allowed just one more run over his 5.2 inning outing. He received a no decision for his time out while striking out two and walking one.
Three straight hits by the LumberKings in the top of the third inning scored their second run of the game. Nick Zammarelli III chased home Joe Rizzo with an RBI single.
The game remained tied into the ninth inning. Michael Koval relieved Ridings and threw 2.1 shutout innings to earn his fourth win of the season. Koval (4-6) allowed only one Snapper to reach against him during his time out.
In the top of the ninth inning, the LumberKings broke the tie with a two-run rally against Beloit reliever Sam Sheehan. For the second time in the game, the LumberKings strung three hits together. Jhombeyker Morales, Nick Thurman, and Billy Cooke each singled with the Cooke's RBI line drive to left scoring what proved to be the decisive run. Sheehan (1-3) then threw a wild pitch that brought home the second run of the inning.
Wyatt Mills then worked a drama free bottom of the ninth inning to earn his third save of the season.
The LumberKings will now head home for a four-game series and home stand against the Kane County Cougars. Left-handed pitcher Nick Wells (5-9, 6.34) will take the ball for Clinton and face the Cougars left-handed pitcher Mack Lemieux (7-4, 4.64). Game times is slated for 6:30 PM at Ashford University Field. The game can be heard on 100.3 FM WCCI with Erik Oas on the call. The pregame show will begin at 6:15. The series opens on a Monday night, which makes it a "Mariners Monday" the LumberKings will take the field in Mariners Uniforms and will wear special Louie the LumberKings Mariner colored hats. These special edition hats are available for purchase at the ballpark in the Lumber Yard team store and online at www.lumberkings.com
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