LumberKings' Skid Reaches Four Games

Cedar Rapids, IA - Clinton's struggles continued on Tuesday night at Perfect Game Field in Veterans Memorial Stadium as the Kernels downed the LumberKings, 9-4, in the series opener. 

The Kernels got two-run home runs from Travis Harrison and J.D. Williams in the sixth inning as they turned a tight, 2-0 game, into a laugher. 

Cedar Rapids scored five in the sixth inning and led Clinton 7-0 before the LumberKings got the offense rolling in the seventh. Three consecutive singles to start the inning by Tyler Marlette, Taylor Ard and Gaby Guerrero loaded the bases for Jordy Lara who delivered a sacrifice fly. Ketel Marte followed with a fielder's choice to drive in another run and cut the lead to 7-2.

That was too close for the Kernels as RBI singles by Byron Buxton and Niko Goodrum extended the lead to 9-2 in the eighth inning. Clinton cut it back to five on Guillermo Pimentel's fifth home run of the year, an opposite-field two run shot. 

Cedar Rapids' starter Mason Melotakis scattered seven hits over seven innings and picked up his fourth win of the year and second of '13 against Clinton. Scott DeCecco was tagged with the loss, dropping his record to 3-5. 

The two teams meet Wednesday night for game two of the three-game series. The LumberKings turn to right-hander Dylan Unsworth (4-0, 2.25) to try and stop the skid while the Kernels come back with right-hander Tyler Duffey (3-2, 2.98). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM CT.