MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

LumberKings takes series with 3-2 win

Published on May 12, 2018 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


South Bend, IN - A game controlled by pitching went the way of the Clinton LumberKings as they topped the South Bend Cubs 3-2 on Saturday night at Four Winds Field. Despite being outhit, 8-to-7, Clinton (18-13) topped the Cubs (14-18) to earn their second straight series win.

South Bend started the scoring in the bottom of the first inning against Clinton starter Tommy Romero. With two out in the inning, Austin Filiere, Miguel Amaya, and Michael Cruz each singled to force across the first run of the game.

In the top of the third inning, Clinton broke through to take their first lead of the night. Joseph Rosa and Eugene Helder led the inning off with singles and then moved to third on a ground out. Johnny Adams then lined a two out, two-run, single to left to turn what was a one run deficit into a one run lead.

The lead did not hold up for long. In the bottom of the fourth Romero allowed his second and final run of the night. Michael Cruz drew a leadoff walk and moved to third on a single to right by Brandon Hughes. Romero then struck out the next two batters but allowed a Chris Singleton RBI single to left that tied the score at two.

The LumberKings broke the tie in the top of the seventh inning without the benefit of a hit. Cubs reliever Jose Albertos issued four walks in the inning leading to the run. With runners a first and third and one out Ariel Sandoval bounced into what looked like an inning ending double play. Instead a hard slide by Eugene Helder at second created a seconds hesitation that allowed Sandoval to beat out the throw at first and score the runner from third. For his time out, Albertos (0-4) was given the loss despite not allowing a hit in his 1.2 of work.

The lead held up Clinton thanks to strong pitching from Kyle Wilcox and Matt Clancy.

Wilcox (2-0) threw 2.1 perfect innings of relief, striking out four, before handing the ball over to Clancy in the bottom of the eighth.

Clancy set down the first two batters he faced but issued a walk to Rafeal Narea to open the bottom of the ninth inning. A sacrifice bunt and wild pitch moved Narea to third as the potential tying run. Clancy then struck out Singleton and forced Zach Davis to ground out to second basemen Rosa to end the game.

The LumberKings will take tomorrow off for Mother's Day before continuing their road trip with the first of four games against the Peoria Cheifs on Monday night. Clinton will throw right-hander Tommy Romero (2-2, 2.67) while the Cubs will counter with right Rollie Lacy (0-0, 2.38). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM (ET). Fans looking to listen to the call of the game can hear Erik Oas at 6:50 PM (ET) with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI.

Check out the Clinton LumberKings Statistics

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



Midwest League Stories from May 12, 2018


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