MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Marte Delivers Walk-Off Winner

July 31, 2013 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


Clinton, IA - On a night when the LumberKings missed several opportunities, Ketel Marte made sure the final one wouldn't be missed. The shortstop delivered a walk-off single, scoring Tim Lopes from second to give the LumberKings a 4-3 win in ten innings.

Trailing 3-1 in the sixth inning, Clinton's new third baseman D.J. Peterson belted a mammoth solo homer to bring Clinton within one. The one-run deficit didn't last long as the next batter Taylor Ard made it back-to-back home runs when he hit a 3-2 pitch from Dylan Covey out to left to tie the game.

It was the first time Clinton went back-to-back since Dario Pizzano, Guillermo Pimentel and Patrick Kivlehan hit three consecutive homers in the first inning against Burlington April 6th.

The score remained 3-3 throughout the later innings despite Clinton's many chances.

After Ard's home run, Lopes walked and stole second but was stranded when Janelfry Zorrilla popped out. In the seventh, Taylor Ard struck out with the bases loaded to end the inning. The eighth inning came to an end when Alfredo Morales struck out with runners at the corners. The LumberKings put two on in the ninth but Gaby Guerrero was retired on a weak roller to third to send the game to extras.

The bullpen combination of Mark Bordonaro, Richard Vargas and Oliver Garcia combined for 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, setting the stage for the tenth.

It began with Lopes' third hit of the night, a single to left. Zorrilla dropped down a successful sacrifice bunt, moving Lopes to second. That brought up Marte who laced a single to right, scoring Marte and giving Clinton their eighth walk-off win of the season.

Garcia picked up the win, his sixth of the season. Kris Hall of Beloit was charged with the loss, his second.

The four-game series continues Wednesday as Clinton sends ace Tyler Pike (7-3, 2.14) to the mound against Beloit right-hander, and Moline native, Dakota Bacus (8-4, 3.90). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT at Ashford University Field.

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Midwest League Stories from July 31, 2013


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