Bats go silent in lopsided loss

CLINTON, IA (June 23, 2017) - Four hits were all the Clinton LumberKings could manage in an 8-1 loss to the Beloit Snappers on Friday night at Ashford University Field. Beloit (1-1, 33-38) pitching overmatched the LumberKings (1-1, 33-36) striking out 15 batters over the course of the night.
The scoring for Beloit started immediately. Trace Loehr homered to right to leadoff the game in the top of the first inning, for his first home run of the season.
The Snappers received their second home run of the game from another unlikely source in the third inning. Ljay Newsome, in his final inning of work, allowed three runs to Beloit in the third. A rally that was capped by an Eric Mariñez two-run homer to right off Newsome (4-7). The long fly was just the second of the year for Marinez.
Matt Millburn started for Beloit and overmatched the LumberKings over his seven innings on the mound. The righty struck out a career high 12 batters and limited Clinton to a single run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Bryson Brimgan drove home Dimas Ojeda for the sixth inning run, that proved to be the only one of the night for the LumberKings.
Milburn (3-5) allowed just three hits to earn the win and was relieved by Sam Sheehan who shutout the LumberKings over the final two innings.
Beloit answered Clinton's sixth inning run with a run of the their own in the top of the seventh before putting the game out of reach with their second three-run rally of the night in the top of the ninth inning.
The loss for the Lumberkings is their first to the Snappers this season at home, ending a 13-game winning streak against Beloit at Ashford University Field that dates back to June 10, 2016.
The LumberKings will continue their four-game home stand and series with the Beloit Snappers on Saturday night. Left-handed pitcher Lane Ratliff (1-0, 3.14) will take the ball for Clinton and face Beloit's right-handed pitcher Xavier Altamirano (2-1, 1.72). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 6:15 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call. Remember to stay after the game for a special post-game concert from Moonshine Run as part of the "Stay Late Saturday" concert series.
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