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MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Tight battle goes to Devil Rays

June 22, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


Clinton, IA - Strong pitching performances by young righthanders highlighted the night on Thursday as the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays edged the Clinton LumberKings 2-1 at Alliant Energy Field. Nineteen-year-old right-hander Matt Walker allowed only a solo home run to L-Kings catcher Brian Valichka en route to the win, besting 18-year-old righty Omar Poveda who allowed just two runs over five innings to take the loss.

Walker (W, 1-1) pitching in just his second start, surrendered one run over 6 2/3 innings, striking out seven while walking just two. Poveda (L, 1-8) gave up just four hits and set down six batters with strikeouts, but served up a solo-homer to D-Rays catcher Christian Lopez and an RBI double to third-baseman Cesar Suarez.

After falling behind early on Lopez's round-tripper, the LumberKings pulled even on Brian Valichka's solo blast to left field, his fourth of the year. That would be the only run tallied by the L-Kings however, as Aaron Walker and Greg Dupas combined on a one-hit shutout over the final 2 1/3 innings to finish the game. Dupas worked out of a jam in the ninth as Freddie Thon chopped a single to center and Joe Kemp reached on a fielder's choice. Kemp and pinch-runner Terry Blunt stood on second and third base representing the tying and go-ahead runs, but Dupas (S, 18) froze Valichka with strike three to end the game.

Valichka was the only LumberKing with multiple hits, going 2-for-4 on the night including the homer. Suarez and Lopez each recorded a pair of hits for the D-Rays.

The LumberKings (23-47) and the Devil Rays (33-37) return to action tomorrow night at Alliant Energy Field, game time set for 7:00 pm. Listen to the game on AM 1340 KROS in Clinton or live on the web at www.lumberkings.com.

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Midwest League Stories from June 22, 2006


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