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MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Jones, Franklin Take Flight Against Hawks

July 18, 2010 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


Clinton, IA - Two-run homers by James Jones and Nick Franklin twice changed the complexion of the game as the Clinton LumberKings grounded the South Bend Silver Hawks with a 9-6 win at Alliant Energy Field. Jones finished 3-for-4 and fell just a double shy of the cycle, while Franklin went 2-for-4 with his team-leading 17th blast of the year.

The LumberKings held a 1-0 lead through two innings, but the Silver Hawks broke a three-game scoring drought with two runs in the third to take a 2-1 advantage. Keon Broxton and David Nick each singled and scored as the Hawks pounded out five-straight singles against left-hander Nick Czyz.

Jones made sure that one-run deficit didn't last long. With Matt Cerione on third base and one out, Jones skied a Brad Gemberling offering deep over the short fence in left for his seventh home run of the year. The clout put Clinton ahead, 3-2, but would not be their last run of the inning. Franklin was hit by a pitch and would eventually score from third on an RBI groundout by Vinnie Catricala.

A three-run fifth inning highlighted by RBI singles from Mario Martinez and Henry Contreras pushed the lead to 7-2, but the Silver Hawks returned fire with a two-run sixth inning. David Narodowski battered the scoreboard in left-center with a two-run shot, his second of the season to bring South Bend back to within three runs.

The Kings would gain breathing room thanks to their second homer of the game as Franklin lifted a wall-scraper to left-center off reliever Brian Budrow that scored himself and Jones for a 9-4 lead.

Still, the pesky Hawks would not relent. After firing a scoreless seventh inning, right-hander Ryan Moorer yielded two unearned runs in the eighth. Narodowski was at it again, singling home Ramon Castillo to cut the lead to four. Broxton also laced a single to plate Andrew Fie, leaving the Clinton lead at 9-6.

Closer Brandon Josselyn would leave the bases loaded in the frame, inducing David Nick into a flyout to center. In the ninth, Josselyn (S, 12) worked around a one-out single by Matt Davidson to preserve the win.

Czyz (W, 2-1) allowed four runs on seven hits over 6.0 innings, walking three and striking out three. The outing was his longest as a LumberKing.

Gemberling (L, 2-7) fell as a result of seven runs, five earned on seven hits over 4.2 innings. He fanned eight Clinton hitters but also served up the blast to Jones. Budrow allowed two more runs over 1.1 innings.

In addition to the two-RBI efforts from Jones and Franklin, Contreras also had a banner game, going 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI.

Narodowski plated three of the six runs for South Bend on the strength of a 3-for-4 game. Broxton and Davidson both finished 2-for-4.

The LumberKings (13-9) conclude the homestand tomorrow morning against South Bend (8-15), first pitch scheduled for 10:00 AM on "Pack the Park with Kids Day". Right-hander Erasmo Ramirez (6-3, 2.71) makes his 14th start of the season. Listen on AM 1390 KCLN in Clinton or live on the web at 1390kcln.com.

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