Clinton Walks Off in Extras, 6-5

Clinton, IA - The Clinton LumberKings saw a late lead disappear against the Cedar Rapids Kernels, but they regrouped for a 6-5 walkoff win in extra innings. Martin Peguero drove home Gaby Guerrero for the winning run in the eleventh inning.

The LumberKings' defense hurt them early. Two errors in the third helped the Kernels open the scoring in the third inning. In the fifth, Cedar Rapids scored another unearned run off Matt Anderson when Jonathan Murphy stole second, and the throw went into center field and past Janelfry Zorrilla. Murphy scored on the play with the two-base error.

Clinton briefly took a 2-1 lead on a two-run double by Jordy Lara in the fourth. Clinton reestablished their lead in the sixth and seven innings. Gaby Guerrero collected four hits on the day, including an RBI single in the sixth to take a 3-2 lead. Dario Pizzano drove home two more in the seventh to push the LumberKings' lead to 5-2.

Matt Anderson departed in line for his fifth win after another stellar outing. The righty worked a career-high seven innings, allowing just three hits and two runs, both unearned. Anderson matched another career-high with seven strikeouts.

The bullpen could not hold the lead for Anderson. Blake Holovach allowed the first five batters to reach in the eighth. Oliver Garcia escaped the jam, but not before the Kernels tied the game at five runs apiece.

Garcia kept the Kernels in check as the game proceeded into extra innings. The reliever pitched four scoreless innings to give the LumberKings a chance for the walkoff win.

In the eleventh, Gaby Guerrero started the inning with an infield single. Tim Lopes laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance Guerrero into scoring position. Martin Peguero flared a sinking line drive into left field, bringing Guerrero home for the 6-5 win.

The LumberKings' three-game series with the Cedar Rapids Kernels continues on Sunday afternoon. Clinton sends left-hander Scott DeCecco (5-6, 4.66) to the mound against Cedar Rapids' left-hander Mason Melotakis (6-2, 3.67). First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM CT at Ashford University Field.