MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Playoff Hopes End as Slide Hits Four

Published on June 16, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


Clinton, IA - The slim chances of clinching the first-half West Division Wild Card spot have dissolved for the Clinton LumberKings following a 7-2 loss to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Wednesday night at Alliant Energy Field.

The Kings scored a run in the first inning on a two-out single by Tim Morris but never got on track against Rattlers' right-hander Jake Odorizzi. Odorizzi (W, 3-1) allowed just that unearned run on four hits over 5.0 innings while striking out five.

Left-hander Jimmy Gillheeney turned in another quality start but still lost as Wisconsin tied the score on an RBI single by Kentrail Davis in the third and took the lead on a squeeze bunt by Michael Marseco in the fifth. Gillheeney (L, 4-5) gave up another run in the sixth on an RBI groundout by Cameron Garfield before exiting with two outs.

Hopes were still high with a 3-1 deficit in the eighth, but the Rattlers scored four times against right-hander Daniel Cooper to seal the deal. Garfield ripped a two-run double to left-center and D'Vontrey Richardson added a two-run smash single off Morris at first base.

Clinton had one last gasp in the ninth as Welington Dotel doubled and scored on a double down the right-field line from Matt Cerione, but right-hander Andy Sauter earned the final two outs in a non-save ninth.

Right-handers Santo Manzanillo (H, 1) and Jeremy Jeffress (H, 1) combined for 3.0 scoreless innings. Jeffress struck out five, lighting up the Alliant Energy Field speed display at 99 mph.

Garfield finished 1-for-4 with the double and three RBI for Wisconsin. Dotel and Cerione each went 2-for-4 in the loss for the LumberKings.

The Kings are officially eliminated from the Wild Card spot as they can finish with 39-30 at best. Quad Cities could also finish 39-30, but a two-way tie for the spot would go to the River Bandits based on head-to-head record (4-2 against Clinton).

The LumberKings (35-30) conclude the series against Wisconsin (24-41) tomorrow night at 7:00 PM. Right-hander Erasmo Ramirez (5-2, 2.43) will make his ninth start of the season. Listen to the game on AM 1390 KCLN in Clinton or live on the web at 1390kcln.com.

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Midwest League Stories from June 16, 2010


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