Early runs carry Lugs, 6-4

Clinton, Ia. - The Lansing Lugnuts (24-20, 66-48) scored five runs in the first on Ryan Yarbrough, enough to lead the Lugs to a series-opening 6-4 win against the Clinton LumberKings (9-35, 35-77) Tuesday at Ashford University Field.

Lansing pounded Clinton with five hits and three walks in the explosive first, sending 11 batters to the plate.

The Lugs remained patient at the plate throughout the game, drawing six walks and forcing the LumberKings to use five pitchers. 

Clinton's starter Yarbrough (Loss, 0-1) did not last long, facing nine batters in the first and recording two outs before being replaced by Patrick Peterson.

Richard Urena mashed an RBI double in his first at-bat, scoring the first run. Ryan McBroom, Lane Thomas, Juan Kelly, and Chris Carlson followed with RBIs against Yarbrough.

The LumberKings' relief staff allowed four hits and one run to the Lugs the remainder of the game.

Meanwhile, Clinton struggled to bring in runners, stranding nine on base. Clinton Hollon allowed one unearned run in 4.2 IP and struck out two before Mark Biggs took over. 

Biggs (Win, 4-3) pitched through the seventh, completing his evening with 2.1 IP, four hits, one run, and three strikeouts. The righty reliever has not allowed an earned run in 10.2 IP.

Phil Kish came one out short of finishing the game, coming out with two outs in the ninth after giving up an unearned run. In 1.2 IP, Kish struck out three and allowed up two hits in his first game since coming off the disabled list.

After giving up an RBI single, Carlos Ramirez (Save, 7) coaxed a groundout to end the game.

Juan Kelly contributed two doubles and a single to complete his second straight three-hit game.

In his first appearance for the Lugs since June 29, MWL All-Star Richard Urena finished 1-for-5 with a double and an RBI.

Elsewhere, Josh Almonte walked twice, the first in the outfielder's four-year career he has drawn two base-on-balls in a game.

The second game against Clinton begins Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Jon Wandling (0-0, 0.00) makes his MWL debut against Tyler Herb (4-8, 5.01).

Lansing is on the road until August 17 with three-game series against Clinton and Kane County before returning home August 18-23 with sets against Lake County and Bowling Green. For more information, call (517) 485-4500 or visit lansinglugnuts.com.