MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Kings Tie, Lose Late as Wizards Take Series

Published on July 18, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


Clinton, IA - The Clinton LumberKings battled back to tie the game in the eighth, but ultimately lost as a big error by reliever Keisuke Ueno put the winning runs in scoring position and Andy Parrino capped a huge night with a two-run double, giving the Fort Wayne Wizards a 5-4 win and a 2-1 series victory.

The Wizards built a 3-1 lead on the strength of a solo homer by Felix Carrasco in the second, an RBI double by Parrino and another RBI single by Ali Solis in the fourth. Lefty Michael Kirkman allowed all three runs as earned on five hits over 7.0 innings, walking two while striking out two.

The Kings started their comeback in the bottom of the fourth against Fort Wayne right-hander Corey Kluber. Mitch Moreland picked up his league-leading 65th RBI with a drive over the wood wall in left-center, - his 10th home run of the year - cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Clinton would wait until the eighth to finally tie the score. With right-hander Bryan Oland on the mound and a light rain falling, Davis Stoneburner coaxed just the fifth walk allowed by the reliever to lead things off. With Engel Beltre at the plate, Stoneburner swiped second base, and Beltre followed with an infield single deep in the hole at short. Beltre then stole his way to second, putting a pair in scoring position with nobody out.

Andres James chopped into the teeth of the drawn-in infield for an out at first, and Beltre was caught napping off second for a crucial out as only Stoneburner remained on base. Luckily, Oland misfired in the dirt, scoring him to tie the score.

The missed opportunity for a big inning cost the Kings, however, as the Wizards responded for two runs in the top of the ninth. Ueno dealt a leadoff walk to Carrasco, and Yefri Carvajal dropped a sac bunt back to the mound. Ueno elected to go after the lead runner, but his throw carried into right-center. Both runners ended up in scoring position, and Parrino sent them both home with a double off the wall in old scoreboard alley for a 5-3 lead.

Wizards' closer Jackson Quezada was summoned from the bullpen, but ran into trouble. Cristian Santana ripped a one-out single to right and stole second, and Jose Felix grinded out a tough two-out at-bat, singling home Santana. Pinch-runner Kyle Murphy took second, but Stoneburner couldn't complete the comeback, striking out swinging.

Oland (W, 3-1) won despite blowing his first save of the year. The righty allowed a run on two hits over one inning, walking one. League saves leader Quezada (S, 17) also yielded a run on two hits, striking out two.

Ueno (L, 3-2) gave up two runs, one earned on three hits over an inning of work. Right-hander Chris Dennis came on for a scoreless inning, including a strikeout

Beltre's ninth-inning single extended his hitting streak to a season-best seven games. Santana lead all hitters with a 3-for-4 night, while Moreland also chipped in his second-straight 2-for-4 game while driving in two RBI (66 total).

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The LumberKings (13-15) continue the homestand as the Dayton Dragons come to town for a three-game series, starting tomorrow night. First pitch from Alliant Energy Field is scheduled for 7:00 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 July 18, 2008


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