Clinton Defeats Cedar Rapids in Finale

CLINTON, IOWA - Clinton LumberKings right-hander Robert Dugger pitched five scoreless innings to help Clinton win a 4-1 decision Thursday against the Cedar Rapids Kernels in the rubber game of a three-game series at Ashford University Field. The Kernels' 2-1 series loss marks only the third series loss of 2017 for Cedar Rapids.
Dugger's longest shutout start of the season secured the victory Thursday and lifted his record to 2-1. Dugger allowed two hits to Brandon Lopez and a walk to Ben Rortvedt in an otherwise flawless start. He also registered a team-high four strikeouts in the rubber game.

The LumberKings (24-33) jumped out to a 2-0 lead with two outs in the second inning. Gareth Morgan hit his fifth home run of the year to put Clinton on the scoreboard. Ryan Scott doubled and scored on an RBI single by Nick Zammarelli III.
During the fifth, the lead grew to 4-0 for Clinton. Luis Rengifo's sacrifice fly plated Bryson Brigman. Anthony Jimenez followed with an RBI single that brought in Joe Rizzo. All four LumberKing runs Thursday scored with two outs in the inning.
The Kernels (34-26) produced their only run in the top of the seventh. Hank Morrison reached on a one-out walk and scored from first base on an opposite-field double from Rortvedt down the left-field line.
Jack Anderson earned his second save in as many chances, tossing two scoreless innings to finish Clinton's 4-1 win. Before Anderson's outing, Tim Viehoff allowed one run over two frames out of the LumberKings' bullpen.
Domenick Carlini IV (3-4) took the loss for Cedar Rapids. He gave up four runs in five frames while posting a career-high-tying seven strikeouts. Logan Lombana relieved Carlini and faced the minimum over three shutout innings. He allowed a double in the eighth inning to Jimenez, who was caught stealing to end the inning.
Up next, Cedar Rapids returns to Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium to host a four-game homestand against the Burlington Bees. Friday's opener will start at 6:35 p.m. with Kernels right-hander Clark Beeker (5-2, 2.51) scheduled to face Bees right-hander Andrew Vinson (3-5, 5.58). Morgan Hawk will have the call on 1450 KMRY AM, 93.1 KMRY FM, and KCRG 9.2 and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
Celebrate Star Wars Night with the Kernels including appearances from Star Wars characters at the ballpark. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Star Wars: The Last Jedi t-shirt. The Kernels will wear special Star Wars-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off at the game to support the East Central Iowa Autism Society. It is also a Kernels Friday Mug Club Night sponsored by Stadium Bar & Grill, Shuey's Restaurant & Lounge, Red's Public House, Mulligan's Pub and Z 102.9.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Kernels home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.