5-Run Seventh Keys Clinton Win

Clinton, IA - The LumberKings used a stellar pitching performance by Dylan Unsworth and a five-run fifth inning to beat the Beloit Snappers, 7-4, at Ashford University Field on Sunday.

Unsworth, who pitched a seven-inning complete game last time out, stifled the Snappers lineup and pitched a career-best eight innings.  The right-hander from South Africa scattered seven hits and struck out five in the win. 

Dario Pizzano got the scoring started in the first inning for Clinton with a RBI groundout.  It stayed 1-0 until Clinton's Jabari Henry drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 2-0.

Then came the seventh inning when the LumberKings broke things open with a five-run frame.  Tim Lopes and Gaby Guerrero singled and Pizzano walked to load the bases with one out.  Tyler Marlette followed with another walk, forcing in Lopes for a 3-0 lead.  Taylor Ard struck out looking for the second out in the inning but Jordy Lara picked him up with a two-run single to left field, extending the lead to 5-1.  Henry continued his perfect day at the plate (2-for-2 with two walks) as he smoked a two-run double to left-center to build the lead to 7-1. Before Lara and Henry's hits, Clinton was 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Beloit got two runs off LumberKings reliever Oliver Garcia in the ninth on Jake Tanis' two-run blast. 

The series continues on Monday night at Ashford University Field as Clinton sends left-hander Scott DeCecco (1-2, 2.81) to the hill against Beloit right-hander Raul Alcantara (1-1, 3.94).  First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM CT.  Monday is Bluff Elementary PTA Night.