Ascanio's homer not enough in LKings 3-1 loss

CLINTON, IA (May 27, 2017) - Rayder Ascanio homered to lead-off the Clinton LumberKings night but it was not enough in a 3-1 loss to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Saturday night at Ashford University Field. Ljay Newsome set a new professional career-high for strikeouts over his 5.1 innings of work, but was given the loss for his time out.
Jankins (3-3) pitched well for the Timber Rattlers (23-23) beating the LumberKings for the second time this year. The only blemish during Jankins five innings of work came on his first pitch of the night. Ascanio wasted no time in staking the LumberKings (18-28) to an early 1-0 lead with his fourth home run of the season, three of which have now come to leadoff the game.
The run in the bottom of the first for Clinton, proved to be their only tally of the night. The LumberKings registered six hits in the game, all against starter Jankins.
LumberKings starter Newsome (4-4) turned in one of his best performances of the year. The righty struck out nine, a new professional career-high, and held the Timber Rattlers to three runs, on three hits while walking two.
Newsome struck out the first three batters he faced but finally was touched for a run in the top of the third inning. Jose Cuas led off with a walk and moved to third on a Caleb Whalen single to right. Two batters later Cuas scored the first run of the game for Wisconsin on a Joantgel Segovia sacrifice fly to center.
The deciding rally of the game came in the top of the ninth. Newsome went out for his sixth inning but after striking out Trevor Morrison had trouble getting the second out of the inning. Segovia singled with one out in the inning and scored when, the next batter, Tucker Neuhaus tripled off the wall in center to give Wisconsin the lead.
Newsome was removed following the triple but was still charged with his third run when LumberKings reliever Michael Koval allowed an RBI single to Monte Harrison.
The RBI single extended Harrison's RBI streak to five straight games with at least one RBI.
Clinton failed to record a hit over the final four innings but did manage to put the tying run on in the bottom of the ninth. The LumberKings first two batters of the ninth reached with walks and were advanced to second and third on a Dimas Ojeda sacrifice bunt. Luke Barker then entered the game and retired the final two LumberKings batters to earn his third save of the season.
The LumberKings will play game three of their four-game home stand and series with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Right-handed pitcher Robert Dugger (1-1, 3.55) will take the ball for Clinton and face Wisconsin's Right-handed pitcher Braden Webb (1-3, 4.34). First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 1:45 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call.
About the LumberKings
The LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are playing their 62nd season in the league and their ninth as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since the club's inception in 1937, 270 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