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MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Eight-Run Sixth Sinks LumberKings

May 4, 2017 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - An unfortunate theme continued for the Clinton LumberKings on Thursday night at Fifth Third Ballpark, big innings, the West Michigan Whitecaps plated eight runs in a sixth inning rally and coasted to a 9-3 win. Twelve batters came up in the inning for the Whitecaps (17-10) who rattled off six hits in the frame, marking it the third time this season the LumberKings (10-15) have allowed seven or more runs score in an inning.

The LumberKings led for most of the game after scoring twice in the top of the third inning. Rayder Ascanio began the inning with a bunt single and stole second two pitches later. Luis Liberato followed with a bunt single of his own that turned into a run when Whitecaps pitcher Alfred Gutierrez threw the ball down the right field line.

Ascanio scored on the error and Liberato advanced to second. The LumberKings went on to load the bases and drove home their second run of the inning on a Joe Rizzo RBI single to center. With the bases loaded and nobody out the LumberKings failed to add to their lead, Kirstian Brito and Nick Zammarelli struck out and Anthony Jimenez grounded out to strand the bases loaded.

Nick Wells took the ball for the LumberKings and was sharp through his first four innings of work. He did not allow a run through five innings but ran into trouble when he went back out for the sixth.

Wells (0-2) allowed the first three men in the sixth to reach against him, singles by Cole Bauml and Jake Robson were followed by an two RBI double from Blaise Salter. The double tied the game and was just the beginning of the Whitecaps rally. Wells left after a issuing a walk and lasted 5 and 1/3 innings and was hung with his second loss of the season.

Matt Clancy relieved Wells but struggled as well to hold West Michigan at bay. The Whitecaps added another six runs in the inning and sent 12 men to the plate.

The LumberKings failed to muster much offense against the Whitecaps bullpen. An unearned run in the eighth was all they could push across against Locke St John and his four innings of work. St John (1-0) earned his first win of the year for his long outing out of the bullpen.

The LumberKings will continue their road trip with the first of three games with the South Bend Cubs. RHP Ljay Newsome (4-1, 4.15) will get the start for Clinton and face South Bend's RHP Dylan Cease (0-1, 1.90). First pitch is slated for 6:05 PM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI beginning at 5:50 PM, Erik Oas will be on the call.

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