Clinton Blanks T-'Rats to Split Doubleheader

Appleton, WI - The Clinton LumberKings and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers split yet another doubleheader on Friday night. The Timber Rattlers took a close 4-3 victory in game one, while the LumberKings dominated game two, 7-0.

In game one, Clinton jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but the Timber Rattlers homered twice in their comeback bid. The LumberKings scored first on a disputed call at home. David Villasuso scored on a close play at the plate, and Wisconsin catcher Clint Coulter and manager Matt Erickson were both ejected arguing the call. Jordy Lara launched his third home run of the season to add onto the LumberKings' lead.

Wisconsin used a four-run sixth inning to ruin a no-hit bid for LumberKings' starter Matt Anderson. The right-hander retired the first 12 batters he faced, and he did not allow a base hit through five innings. Tyrone Taylor broke up the no-hitter with a solo home run. After back-to-back singles, Victor Roache launched another home run for Wisconsin, giving the Timber Rattlers a 4-3 lead.

In the nightcap, the LumberKings recorded their first shutout victory of the season. Clinton benefited from another strong pitching performance from Dylan Unsworth. The LumberKings' starter pitched five scoreless innings in his third win of the season, allowing just two base hits.

The LumberKings took the lead in the first inning on an RBI double from Dario Pizzano. On the night, Pizzano hit four doubles, two in each game. Clinton extended its lead with three runs in the fourth.

Tyler Marlette belted a solo home run in the fifth, his second long ball of the season. The LumberKings added another run in the fifth as Gaby Guerrero came home to make it 5-0. Guerrero finished the night with a 5-for-8 mark with two doubles.

Clinton tacked on two more runs in the sixth to complete the rout. Blake Holovach finished off the victory in his LumberKings debut. Holovach pitched two scoreless innings without allowing a base hit.

The LumberKings return home to begin a three-game series with the Kane County Cougars on Saturday evening. The LumberKings send left-hander Scott DeCecco (3-3, 2.91) to the mound for the series opener. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT.