Big Innings the difference in LumberKings loss

CLINTON, IA (May 9, 2017) - Crooked numbers by the Lansing Lugnuts were the difference in an 11-6 Clinton LumberKings loss on Tuesday afternoon at Ashford University Field. Twice, Lansing (18-12) batted home four runs in an inning to outpace the LumberKings (11-19) offense.
Both teams scored in the first inning. The Luguts putting their first run of the game on the board on back-to-back one out hits from Edward Olivares and Bo Bichette. The LumberKings answered in the bottom of the inning with a run of their own. Bryson Brigman singled with one out, moved to second following a walk to Joe Rizzo, and scored on consecutive wild pitches from Lugnuts starter Andy Ravel.
Bichette, after going hitless in game one of the series, broke out for a 3-for-4 day at the plate that included two runs scored, an RBI and a walk.
Ravel pitched well for Lansing, turning in a season-high seven innings. After allowing a run in the first inning, Ravel (3-0) did not allow another to reach third until the fifth inning.
Lansing took the lead for good in the top of the third inning. LumberKings starter Nick Wells seemed like he would make quick work of the Lugnuts in the inning, retiring the first two batters before Lansing began their rally. With two out, four straight hits by Lugnuts batters forced home two runs, a Bradley Jones RBI double capped the rally and gave Lansing a 3-1 lead.
Two innings later, in the top of the fifth the Lugnuts broke out for their first of two four-run rallies. Wells (0-3) faced eight men in the fifth inning, allowing Lansing to score their runs on three hits, two doubles, and two walks.
The second four-run rally of the day for the Lugnuts came in the top of the eighth inning when Lansing batted around, sending nine men to the plate and putting the game out of reach.
The LumberKings put runs on the board late and at one point pulled to within three runs, 7-4. Gareth Morgan hit his second home run of the year, a solo shot to left center field in the bottom of the fifth, and Clinton added two runs in the seventh, and single runs in the eighth and ninth innings, but could not overcome the larger Lugnut rallies.
The LumberKings will play their third and final game of the series against the Lansing Lugnuts on Wednesday afternoon. Right-handed pitcher Ljay Newsome (4-1, 4.65) will take the ball for Clinton and face Lansing's right-handed pitcher Justin Maese (3-2, 4.89). First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 11:55 AM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call. Wednesday is wing Wednesday at Ashford University Field with 50 cent wings all game long.
 About the LumberKings
The LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are playing their 62nd season in the league and their ninth as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since the club's inception in 1937, 270 former Clinton players have made it to the Major Leagues. The LumberKings play at historic Ashford University Field located off 6th Avenue North at 537 Ballpark Drive. Tickets to all 70 home games are available by calling (563) 242-0727 or by visiting lumberkings.com