MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Cerda's Pinch-Hit Homer Beats Kings

Published on May 3, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


Peoria, IL - Pinch-hitter Matt Cerda lined the first pitch he saw from right-hander Taylor Stanton over the right-field fence, sending the Peoria Chiefs to a 4-1 walk-off victory over the Clinton LumberKings Monday night at O'Brien Field.

Justin Bour doubled off Stanton to start the inning and was replaced by pinch-runner Jose Valdez. Stanton struck out D.J. Fitzgerald after he failed to put down a sacrifice bunt. Jonathan Mota lifted a flare single into shallow right to put runners at the corners, but Stanton also struck out Richard Jones looking.

Rather than send George Matheus to the plate, Peoria manager Casey Kopitzke instead chose Cerda. The result was Cerda's first homer of the season and Peoria's 12th home victory.

Stanton (L, 2-2) lost in his first stint as a reliever. He gave up the three runs on three hits over 1.2 innings.

Clinton had rallied from a 1-0 deficit to tie the game in the sixth. Matt Cerione reached on a one-out walk, moved to third on a hit-and-run by Nick Franklin and scored on a Dennis Raben sacrifice fly. The LumberKings had an opportunity to break the game open in the fourth, loading the bases with no outs, but Chiefs' right-hander Ryan Searle was able to strike out Vinnie Catricala and induce James Jones into a double-play.

Peoria got their first run on a two-out double by Greg Rohan. That run was the only one allowed by left-hander Jon Hesketh, who lowered his ERA from 7.79 to 6.75 with a run on three hits over 4.0 innings. Right-hander Chris Kirkland tossed 3.0 scoreless innings in relief of Hesketh.

Chiefs' lefty James Leverton (W, 4-0) won for the second time in the series, walking one while striking out two.

Cerione (1-for-3), Franklin (1-for-4) and Jones (1-for-4) had the hits for Clinton. Peoria's leading hitter was Hak-Ju Lee, who went 2-for-4 with a run scored.

The LumberKings (11-14) finish the road trip at 3-4 and now head home to battle the Beloit Snappers (15-9). Left-hander Jimmy Gillheeney (1-2, 3.20) is scheduled to make his sixth start, first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM. Listen to the game on AM 1390 KCLN in Clinton or live on the web at 1390kcln.com.

Check out the Clinton LumberKings Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from May 3, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central