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MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Kings Squander Comeback Chances

July 6, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


Clinton, IA - Down 5-0 after the top of the first, the Clinton LumberKings rallied to close within a run of Kane County, but could not plate the tying run over the final four innings in a 6-5 loss to the Cougars at Alliant Energy Field.

Starter Maikel Cleto was roughed up for five runs in the first inning. Leonardo Gil singled and scored on a base hit by Mike Spina, and three batters later Steve Parker ripped a three-run home run over the Lumber Lounge in right for a 4-0 Cougars advantage. Dusty Napoleon then walked and scored on a double by Chris Berroa to cap the five-run inning.

Cleto (L, 0-1) exited after just 1.1 innings with apparent discomfort in his lower back. He was replaced by right-hander Blake Nation, who allowed only a run on Spina's RBI fielder's choice in the fourth.

The LumberKings scored a run in the bottom of the first off Cougars' starter Pedro Figueroa as Luis Nunez singled and scored on a throwing error by second-baseman Jason Christian. They'd touch up Figueroa for three runs in the third inning thanks to RBI singles by Nunez and Steve Moss and a wild pitch that scored Scott Savastano.

Trailing 6-4 in the fifth inning, the Kings scored again as Nunez reached on another Christian error and came home on Savastano's double to the right-field corner. Figueroa (W, 10-2) was chased after the fifth inning, having allowed five runs (three earned) on seven hits.

However, 6-5 is as close as the LumberKings would get. Terry Serrano and Daniel Carroll each stood in scoring position after an error by reliever Matt Fitts (H, 1) in the sixth, but both were left stranded as Nunez grounded out to second. Moss ripped a two-out double in the seventh but could not score as Chris Berroa made a diving catch on a liner from Denny Almonte to end the inning.

Nunez reached on a one-out single in the ninth off Justin Murray (S, 4), but Savastano flied out to right and Kris Sanchez struck out swinging to end the game.

Nunez and Savastano each went 3-for-5 as the Kings out-hit the Cougars, 11-10. Nunez scored three runs and added his 12th stolen base of the year, while Savastano cracked his ninth double and plated his 33rd RBI.

The LumberKings (5-6) and Cougars (6-5) conclude the series tomorrow night at Alliant Energy Field, first pitch scheduled for 7:00 PM. Left-hander Bobby LaFromboise (5-3) starts for Clinton against Kane County left-hander Anthony Capra (2-6). Listen to the game on AM 1390 KCLN in Clinton or live on the web at www.kcln.com.

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