Fabulous Fifth Leads LumberKings To Single Season Franchise Wins Record

                       

Clinton, IA - The big innings for the LumberKings (84-52, 45-21) this season have been game defining, often vaulting them into the lead for good. Down 2-1 going into the bottom of the fifth, the LumberKings took advantage of bad Burlington (65-71, 33-33) defense and used a double steal to take the lead. The Bees would rally for two in the ninth, but Clinton would shut the door, winning 5-4 and setting a new franchise record for wins in a single season. The previous mark was held by the 1963 Clinton C-Sox, who went 83-41.

Both teams were held off the board until the third, when the Bees rallied with two outs against Ronald Dominguez. Brendon Sanger drew a leadoff walk, but was caught stealing with one out to clear the bases. Brennon Lund then drove one down the right field line that landed fair by an inch, going for a double. Jahmai Jones then followed with a single up the middle, easily scoring Lund to give Burlington the early edge.

The LumberKings through would respond right back in the third, as Chris Mariscal missed a home run by a foot to left with one out. He would cruise into second with a double, and with two outs would come home on Dalton Kelly's screaming double down the right field line, tying the game at one against Bees starter Jesus Castillo (3-2).

Ronald Dominguez threw the first three innings, and gave way to Dylan Silva (4-2), who pitched a perfect fourth. Silva got the first two he faced in the fifth, but then gave up a home run to Michael Barash, which gave the Bees the 2-1 lead.

The bottom of the fifth proved to be the climax of the game for the LumberKings, as Chris Mariscal started the rally with a one out walk. Ricky Eusebio then hit a potential double play ground ball to second, but second baseman Brendon Sanger threw the ball under the glove of shortstop Connor Justus at the bag, putting both runners on safely. Dalton Kelly then hit a hard ground ball to first that popped out of Matt Thaiss' glove and into right field, scoring Mariscal to tie the game at two. The error on Thaiss also allowed Eusebio to move to third. Logan Taylor struck out, but with two outs and Alex Jackson up, Dalton Kelly got himself in a rundown on a steal to second, and Eusebio home. The throw was low, as Eusebio scored to give Clinton their first lead. Kelly reached second, and would circle the bases as Jackson split the gap in left center, going for a double and giving the LumberKings a 4-2 lead.

Burlington in the seventh with the score still 4-2 got the first two men aboard with singles against Rohn Pierce. Michael Barash then grounded one right back to Pierce, who started an incredible 1-5-3 double play. Brennon Lund then grounded out to third to end the inning.

The LumberKings got a key insurance run on a double from Arturo Nieto in the eight to extend their lead to 5-2, and they would need it as Burlington got two across in the ninth on a two RBI single from Michael Barash. Matt Walker though shut the door by striking out the last two to end the game.

The LumberKings go for the sweep tomorrow in their final regular season home game against the Burlington Bees. Nick Neidert (7-3, 2.68) goes for the LumberKings, while the Bees will go with Austin Robichaux (4-3, 4.33). Tomorrow is the 2017 season ticket raffle, with a WQAD-TV fireworks spectacular to follow the game. First pitch is at 6:30, and you can get your tickets by visiting www.lumberkings.com, calling 563-242-0727, or by stopping by the box office at Ashford University Field.