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LumberKings Rally in 9th for 5-4 Win

Clinton wins back-to-back games for first time in 2013
April 26, 2013

Eastlake, OH - Clinton was trailing 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning and down to their final strike before Jordy Lara sparked a two-run rally to lift the LumberKings to a stunning 5-4 win Friday night at Classic Park. 

Lara fouled off several two-strike pitches before working a walk against Lake County closer Francisco Valera. Taylor Ard pinch hit for Ketel Marte and hit a slow roller to third that Leonardo Castillo threw away. Tim Lopes replaced Ard as a pinch-runner before Brock Hebert came to the plate. Hebert walked on four pitches; the fourth going all the way to the backstop letting Lara score from third to tie the game.

With Lopes at third and Hebert at first, Jabari Henry dropped a perfect bunt down the third base line. Castillo charged and threw to first but Henry beat the throw which was dropped by first baseman Nellie Rodriguez. The ball trickled away allowing Lopes to race home with the go-ahead run. 

Clinton reliever Richard White, who allowed the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, returned to the mound in the bottom of the ninth. He struck out Erik Gonzalez for the first out and then got Jorge Martinez to bounce out to second. Castillo kept the Captains alive with a double down the right field line, prompting Eddie Menchaca to bring in Grady Wood.

Wood wasted little time as he got Logan Vick to ground out to first to end the game. The 5-4 win represents the first time Clinton has won back-to-back games in 2013 and is also the first win when trailing after eight innings. 

The LumberKings now have an opportunity at their first series sweep and a chance to climb back to .500 with a win the series finale. The two teams play at 12:00 PM CT at Classic Park on Saturday. Clinton sends right-hander Matt Anderson (0-2, 7.50) against Lake County right-hander Dylan Baker (0-2, 4.20).