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MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Jimenez Shines as LumberKings Edge Swing

May 21, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


Davenport, IA - With pitchers Michael Kirkman and Broc Coffman both still on the disabled list, the Clinton LumberKings looked to spot starter Juan Jimenez to halt a four-game losing streak. Jimenez came through in spades, allowing just a run on two hits over six innings of work. The LumberKings built an early lead and survived a late scare to beat the Swing of the Quad Cities, 6-5.

Jimenez (W, 1-0) retired the Swing in order in each of the first five innings, and was not scored upon until catcher Bryan Anderson lead off the sixth with a solo homer to right field.

The LumberKings built an early lead, putting a run on the board in the top of the first inning as John Mayberry smacked a line double that Swing left fielder A.J. Van Slyke lost in the sun. Jose Vallejo scored on the play, having moved himself into scoring position with back-to-back steals off Swing starter Mark McCormick.

McCormick (L, 1-3) ran into more trouble in the fourth, serving up a leadoff bomb to Freddie Thon, a towering shot that reached the short porch in right field. Joe Kemp reached base after being hit by a pitch, and K.C. Herren followed with an RBI triple to the right field corner. John Whittleman followed with a soft single to center that scored Herren. That would spell the end of the night for McCormick, who lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on five hits.

Two very important insurance runs would cross for Clinton in the seventh against Swing reliever Jason Cairns. With a 4-1 lead and runners on at second and third, Thon again delivered, singling home Vallejo. A batter later, Terry Blunt would plate the eventual game-winner, driving home Mayberry with a single to left field.

The Swing made it a close game over the final three innings against the LumberKings bullpen. Righthander Juan Carlos Garcia allowed three runs (two earned) over 1 1/3 innings of relief, and Jose Marte had difficulty closing out the game. With a 6-4 lead and two outs in the ninth, Marte allowed an RBI double to Anderson to make it a one-run game. Marte (S, 1) had the tying run on second base when he struck out pinch-hitter Brandon Yarbrough to end the contest.

Thon's 3-for-5, 3 RBI performance paced the offense for the LumberKings (14-28). Jose Vallejo did see his eight-game hitting streak come to an end, going 0-for-3, but did reach base twice, scoring both times.

Anderson did nearly all the damage for the Swing (17-23), posting a 3-for-4 night, including the home run and two doubles.

The teams meet again tomorrow night, game time set for 5:00 pm. Listen to the game on AM 1340 KROS in Clinton, or live on the web at www.lumberkings.com.

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Midwest League Stories from May 21, 2006


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