Clinton Drops Finale and Series, 2-1

Clinton, IA - The Clinton LumberKings dropped the series finale in a 2-1 game marred by a rain delay. Lansing took the rubber match to turn around a no-hitter in the opener into a series win for the Lugnuts.

Lansing took a lead just before the rains came at Ashford University Field. Santiago Nessy led off the fourth inning with a single off Clinton starter Scott DeCecco. Christian Lopes followed with a double down the left field.

The relay throw home from Ketel Marte bounced off Santiago Nessy sliding into home plate. The ball caromed out of play by the visitor's dugout, with the throwing error awarding Lopes home on the play. All told two runs scored on the play, spotting the Lugnuts a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, rain suspended play for one hour and fourteen minutes. Both starters departed after the layoff, leaving the bullpens with a large workload. Both bullpens were up to the task, allowing just one run combined after the teams resumed play.

Janelfry Zorrilla scored the only run for Clinton after reaching on a bunt single in the eighth. Zorrilla advanced on a throwing error and a wild pitch. Dario Pizzano brought home the run on a sacrifice fly but Clinton could not muster any more offense.

Blake Holovach and David Holman combined for five scoreless innings of relief for the LumberKings. DeCecco settled for a loss to even his record to 7-7. Kramer Champlin earned his fifth win of the year after keeping Clinton in check after the delay.

Clinton welcomes in the Great Lakes Loons for a three-game series starting on Saturday evening. The LumberKings turn to left-hander Tyler Pike (6-3, 2.43) for the opener, and the Loons counter with right-hander Brandon Martinez (1-0, 3.94). First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT at Ashford University Field.