COMSTOCK PARK, MI (May 3, 2017) - A Clinton LumberKings early lead did not hold up in a 3-2 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.The LumberKings raced out of the gate to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
COMSTOCK PARK, MI (May 3, 2017) - A Clinton LumberKings early lead did not hold up in a 3-2 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.
The LumberKings raced out of the gate to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Bryson Brigman singled with one out in the inning and moved to second base when he tagged up on a Anthony Jimenez flyout in foul territory down the line in right field. The aggressiveness paid off for Clinton, as Kristian Brito followed with an RBI single to center.
Tim Viehoff stated for the LumberKings and held the early lead for one inning. In the bottom of the second, the Whitecaps (16-10) took the lead for good on a two-run home run from Josh Lester. Viehoff (0-3) limited the damage in the inning after Daniel Pinero singled and moved to third on a combination of an error and fly out. Pinero was stranded at third by Viehoff to end the second inning starting a streak of three straight innings in which Viehoff stranded a man at third.
Ronald Dominguez relieved Viehoff and turned in four strong innings of shutout relief. The outing was the longest by a LumberKings reliever this season.
The Whitecaps added to their lead with another run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Cole Bauml drew a one out walk and came into to score on a Pinero triple to right center field.
After allowing the first inning run to the LumberKings, Whitecaps starter, Eudis Idrogo settled in to shutout the LumberKings over his next five innings of work. Idrogo (2-1) turned in his longest start of the year, seven innings, issuing no walks and striking out six to earn his second win of the season.
In the top of the seventh, the LumberKings pulled to within one run when Kristian Brito and Ryan Scott doubled. The double was the first hit of the year with the LumberKings for Scott and his first RBI as well.
Jason Foley came on in relief of Idrogo and threw two perfect innings out of the Whitecaps bullpen. Foley earned his second save of the year, striking out three in two inning s of work.
The game was played in a timely 2 hours and 4 minutes, the quickest game of the year for Clinton.
The LumberKings will wrap up their three-game series with the Whitecaps on Thursday night. LHP Nick Wells (0-1, 5.79) will get the start for Clinton and face West Michigan's RHP Alfred (2-1, 4.67). First pitch is slated for 5:35 PM with the pregame show on lumberkings.com beginning at 5:20 PM, Erik Oas will be on the call.
About the LumberKings
The LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are playing their 62nd season in Clinton and their ninth as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since the club's inception in 1937, 268 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
