Luiz Gohara to make MLB debut

CLINTON, IA (September 5, 2017) - Just one year removed from pitching at Ashford University Field, left-handed pitcher Luiz Gohara has been called up to the Major Leagues by the Atlanta Braves. Remembered in Clinton as a staff ace in 2016, the Brazilian native becomes the seventh former LumberKing to make his MLB debut in 2017.
Gohara, 21, spent parts of two seasons in Clinton establishing himself as a staff ace and broke out as a top prospect during the 2016 season. Used exclusively as a starter in Clinton, Gohara went 5-3 with a 1.83 ERA (13 ER /64 IP) 65 strikeouts and 26 walks as a LumberKing. During the team's postseason run in 2016, the lefty earned the win in the series clinching game against the Peoria Chiefs in the first round. He went six innings allowed three runs on five hits while not allowing any walks and striking out eight to earn the win.
Gohara was then rewarded with the start in game one of the Championship series against the Great Lakes Loons. In the game, Gohara was hit hard in his 3 and 2/3 innings of work; allowing five runs on six hits while walking four and striking out five. The LumberKings rallied to win the game, 16-6, but then dropped the next three to fall in the Championship Series.
He was traded in a four-player deal with the Braves during this year's offseason on January 11. Gohara moved quickly through the Braves organization. First being assigned to the Double-A Mississippi Braves to begin the year and then earning a promotion to the Triple-A Gwinett Braves before his call up to Atlanta.
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, 274 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. Advertising and tickets for the 2018 season are available by calling (563) 242-0727 or by visiting lumberkings.com