Rattlers topped by Clinton
August 7, 2008 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers News Release
CLINTON, IA - Cristian Santana blasted a two-run homer in the eighth inning to give the Clinton LumberKings their first lead of the night. Joseph Ortiz pitched a scoreless ninth to seal Clinton's 4-3 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Thursday night at Alliant Energy Field.
The teams traded runs throughout the game. It started in the second inning. Juan Diaz knocked in Wisconsin's run with an RBI grounder in the top of the inning. Miguel Alfonzo grounded into a 4-6-3 double play with runners at the corners to send in the tying run across home plate.
The score remained tied until the top of the sixth. Denny Almonte lined a double to right to lead off the inning for Wisconsin (14-32 second half, 45-67 overall). Ron Garth was next and his single to right drove home Almonte. On the play, Alfonzo, the Clinton right fielder, misplayed the ball and allowed Garth to get around to third base. However, the Rattlers could not get Garth home and the inning ended with the Rattlers up 2-1.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Rattler starter Edward Paredes recorded his seventh and eighth strikeouts of the game. But, he would not be involved in the decision. Andres James tied the game with a two-out RBI single to right.
The Rattlers put together a two-out rally in the top of the eighth inning to go back in front. Alex Liddi doubled with two out and Joe White walked to bring Alex Meneses to the plate. Meneses singled to right-center and Liddi scored to put the Rattlers up 3-2.
But once again, the LumberKings (24-22, 65-48) answered in the bottom of the inning. And they didn't just tie the game. Tim Smith singled to start the inning against Rattler reliever Joe Kantakevich. Santana hammered a 2-2 pitch from Kantakevich deep into the Clinton night for his tenth homer of the season and a 4-3 LumberKing lead.
Ortiz relieved in the top of the ninth and pitched a perfect frame for his third save.
The final game of the four game series is set for Friday night. Juan Ramirez (4-8, 4.55) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Blake Beavan (8-6, 2.42) is set to start for the LumberKings. Game time is 7:00pm.
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