MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Ramirez Erases Lugnuts, Losing Streak in 3-0

Published on July 25, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


Lansing, MI - The Clinton LumberKings desperately needed a spark to stop a five-game losing streak and they got it in right-hander Erasmo Ramirez Sunday afternoon at Cooley Law School Stadium in Lansing. The Midwest League All-Star limited the Lansing offense to just five hits over 8.0 scoreless innings as the Kings cruised to a 3-0 victory.

Ramirez (W, 7-4) allowed only one extra-base hit all day and was only in one serious jam. Three flare singles loaded the bases against him with one out in the third inning, but Ramirez induced Kevin Nolan into a comebacker to the mound, turning a 1-2-3 double play to pry his way free from trouble.

That defensive gem gave the Clinton offense some momentum. James Jones lined a double down the left-field line to open the top of the fourth, then scored as Nick Franklin dropped a double in nearly the same spot. Blake Ochoa, one game removed from a seven-RBI performance, did the non-selfish task of dropping down a sacrifice bunt. That would allow Franklin to tag and score from third as Tim Morris lifted a sacrifice fly to deep right field.

Those would be the only two runs allowed by Lansing starter Matt Fields. Fields (L, 2-6) gave up just three total hits over 6.1 innings, walking none while striking out five.

The Lugnuts' bullpen kept the Kings' lead at 2-0 until the bats finally awoke again with two outs in the ninth. Vinnie Catricala coaxed a walk from right-hander Casey Beck, stole second with nobody watching and then scored on a bouncing double down the left-field line from Mario Martinez.

That insurance run would not be necessary as closer Brandon Josselyn came in and retired the side in order, striking out both Sean Ochinko and Brad Glenn. Josselyn (S, 13) helped ensure the sixth shutout victory for the LumberKings this year.

Three of Clinton's five hits were doubles as Franklin (1-for-3, RBI), Jones (1-for-4, run) and Martinez (1-for-4, RBI) all had two-base hits. Morris finished 0-for-3 with the sacrifice fly and an RBI.

The LumberKings (14-14) conclude the three-game series and six-game road trip with morning baseball against the Lugnuts (16-13), slated for an 11:05 AM central time start. Right-hander Nolan Gallagher (0-4, 3.63) will make his fifth start of the year for Clinton. Listen live on AM 1390 KCLN in Clinton or on the web at 1390kcln.com.

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Midwest League Stories from July 25, 2010


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