Clinton Captures First Shutout Win of Year

DAYTON, OH (May 7, 2019) - Jerar Encarnacion and shutout pitching from Manuel Rodriguez, Tyler Jones, and Nathan Alexander translated into the first shutout win of the year for the Clinton LumberKings as they dropped the Dayton Dragons 4-0 on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. Encarnacion drove home all of the LumberKings (16-14) runs as part of a 2-for-4 night at the plate that included three RBIs, a double, and his sixth home run of the year.
Clinton starting pitcher Manuel Rodriguez needed little run support as he turned in his strongest start of the season. The lefty allowed no runs over a season-high six innings of work - scattering five hits, walking one, and striking out a season-high seven batters. Four of the five hits Rodriguez (2-1) allowed did not leave the infield and he was awarded his second win of the year for his time out.
The scoring started in the top of the fourth against Dayton (11-20) starter Jared Solomon. Connor Scott opened the inning with a double into center fielder and moved to third on a Demetrius Sims sacrifice bunt. Encarnacion then broke the scores tie with a line drive double into the right field corner that scored the game's first run.
The run was the only one surrendered by Solomon (0-2) but was enough to hang him with the loss. Over his 4.1 innings of work he allowed three hits while walking none and striking out seven.
Clinton added on in the sixth inning with Encarncaion's second and third RBIs of the night. Following a one-out walk to Demetrius Sims, he crushed his sixth home run of the season to put the LumberKings in front 3-0.
The final run of the night scored on a double play ball off the bat of Encarnacion. Although he was not credited with an RBI for the ground outs all four of Clinton's runs scored off balls put in play by Jerar Encarnacion.
Following Rodriguez six shutout innings - Tyler Jones worked two scoreless frames to earn his second hold of the year and Nathan Alexander closed the door with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.  
The LumberKings will conclude their three-game series with the Dayton Dragons on Tuesday night. Clinton will throw right-handed pitcher Tanner Andrew (0-0, 2.25) while the Dragons will counter with righty Ricky Salinas (0-0, 4.50). Fans looking to listen to the game can hear Erik Oas on the call at 100.3 FM WCCI and online at lumberkings.com via the tunein radio ap at 5:45 p.m. (CDT) with the pregame show.
 
About the LumberKings
The Clinton LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are preparing for their 64^thseason in the league and their first year of affiliation with the Miami Marlins. Since the club's inception in 1937, 281 former Clinton players have gone on to reach the Major Leagues. Advertising and tickets for the 2019 season are available by calling (563)242-0727 or by visiting LumberKings.com