Beavan Baffles Loons in Debut

Clinton, IA - With his parents sitting in the first row and scores of Texas Rangers fans listening in, right-hander Blake Beavan was as advertised in his first professional start, scattering three hits over six shutout innings in Clinton's 4-2 win over Great Lakes.

The 19-year-old first-round pick by the Rangers, Beavan (1-0) was dominant from his first pitch of the game - a called strike to Jovanny Rosario - to his last out in the sixth, a ground-out by Erik Kanaby. In between were three strikeouts, two double-plays and no walks in just 73 pitches.

The LumberKings backed him with offense early as fellow prospect Engel Beltre led off the game with a scorching drive over the right-field wall for his first home run of 2008. Tim Smith added an RBI double in the third to give the Kings a 2-0 lead.

Renny Osuna finished off the scoring, driving a two-run homer to the berm in left off Loons starter Steve Johnson, effectively ending his night after just four innings. Osuna's first blast of the season put Clinton on top 4-0.

Right-hander Fabio Castillo finished off the final 3.0 innings, giving up a pair of runs on the lone offensive highlight for the Loons. With two outs and Rosario at third, Jaime Ortiz hit a towering blast down the right-field line that just hooked fair.

Still, Castillo (S, 1) induced Travis Vetters into a game-ending ground-out to preserve the win for Beavan.

Johnson (L, 2-1) had been stellar for Great Lakes, entering with a 1.75 ERA, but gave up a total of four runs, three earned to raise his ERA to 2.55. Right-hander Matt Sartor worked three scoreless innings and Loons closer Miguel Ramirez tossed a scoreless frame as well.

Smith recorded three of Clinton's seven hits on the night, going 3-for-4 with his 18th RBI of the season. Osuna drove home two runs on his homer and scored two runs as well, finishing 1-for-4. The Kings' defense turned a season-high four double-plays on the night.

The LumberKings (17-5), winners of three straight, finish off the series with Great Lakes (11-13) tomorrow night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Listen to the game on AM 1340 KROS in Clinton or live on the web at www.lumberkings.com.