Banfield's Slam Leads to Rout of Loons

MIDLAND, MI (July 18, 2019) - Will Banfield hit the Clinton LumberKings first grand slam of the season and the Great Lakes Loons were routed 16-7 on Thursday night at Dow Diamond. In total, Clinton (18-8, 51-44) slugged three home runs to set season highs for runs scored and hits in a game - 17.
Early on it was the Loons (14-12, 57-36) who looked to pull away as Clinton starter Alberto Guerrero failed to make it though the first inning. He issued four walks and recorded just two outs while allowing four runs. Elkin Alcala then replaced Guerrero and ended the rally after Great Lakes had sent 10 men to the plate.
Alcala (2-2) settled the game for Clinton with 4.1 innings of shutout relief work. The performance was good enough to earn the win. He allowed just one hit while walking one and striking out three.
The LumberKings answered the four-run first with two runs in the top of the second inning and then broke out in the fourth.
Clinton took the lead for good in the top of the fourth inning. J.D. Osborne homered to open the inning off Joel Inoa - his sixth of the season. Banfield then put Clinton on top with a grand slam that cleared the berm in left for his ninth home run of the year.
Iona (1-2) was given the loss for a 2.1 inning outing. He allowed five runs on six hits while walking one and striking out two.
In the top of the sixth, Clinton added three more runs on RBI singles from Bubba Hollins, Peyton Burdick, and Evan Edwards.
Great Lakes added their final runs of the night with a three-run rally in the bottom of the sixth without the benefit of a hit. Five walks and three wild pitches brought home the runs that momentarily pulled the Loons to within three runs.
Clinton answered the rally with three more runs in the top of the seventh inning. Burdick capped the scoring with a two-run home run to straight away center over the 400-foot sign.
In the top of the ninth inning, the LumberKings added three more runs on RBI hits from Burdick - his fourth RBI of the night - Evan Edwards, and Osborne.
The LumberKings will meet the Great Lakes Loons for final game of their three-game series on Friday night. Clinton will throw righty George Soriano (2-6, 4.24) while Great Lakes will tap right Ryan Pepoit (0-0, 0.00). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. (SDT). Fans looking to listen to the game can hear Erik Oas with the pregame show on 5:50 p.m. with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI or online at lumberkings.com via the tunein radio app.
About the LumberKings
The Clinton LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are in their 64th season in the league and their first year of affiliation with the Miami Marlins. They play their home games at NelsonCorp Field a park that has been home for the Clinton franchise since 1937. Since the club's inception, 282 former Clinton players have gone on to reach the Major Leagues. Advertising and tickets for the 2019 season are available by calling (563)242-0727 or by visiting LumberKings.com