Clinton drops fourth straight

Beloit, WI (July 7, 2018) - The Clinton LumberKings failed to hold on to an early lead against the Beloit Snappers and fell 8-6 on Saturday night at Harry Pohlman Field. Ryan Costello's Midwest League leading 15^th home run of the season in the ninth was not enough to avoid the LumberKings (9-7, 48-37) fourth straight loss.
Clinton jumped out to an early lead against Snappers starting pitcher Ivan Andueza. In the top of the first, Clinton's first four batters reached, scoring two runs and putting Clinton on top.
In the top of the third, the LumberKings struck for their second two runs rally of the game. Andueza (1-4) allowed leadoff singles to Zach Scott and Jack Larsen and both men scored. Scott crossed the plate on a balk and Eugene Helder drove home Larsen with one of his three singles in the game.
Trailing 4-1, the Snappers cut the deficit in half with a Logan Farrar sacrifice fly to left off LumberKings starter Randy Bell and then erupted for three-runs in the seventh.
Bell (1-1) in his final inning of work, the fifth, allowed eight Snappers to come up in the inning to score three runs and give Beloit a lead they would not relinquish.
Following the three-run fifth, Beloit added to their lead with their second three run rally of the night in the bottom of the seventh. Clinton reliever Kyle Wilcox walked four batters in the inning and two hits by Beloit allowed them to pull away with an 8-4 lead.
In the top of the ninth, Clinton made things interesting with Costello's league leading 15^th home run of the year. Eugene Helder followed the two-run homer with a walk to bring the tying run to the plate and Snappers reliever Wandisson Charles struck out the finale three batters to hand the LumberKings their fourth straight loss.
The LumberKings will meet the Beloit Snappers for game three of their four-game set on Sunday afternoon. Clinton will throw right-hander Clay Chandler (4-1, 3.31) while the Snappers will counter with righty Mitchell Jordan (2-2, 2.73). First pitch for game one is slated for 2:00 PM. Fans looking to listen to the game can hear Erik Oas on the call on 100.3 FM WCCI and online at lumberkings.com via the tune in radio ap at 1:45 PM with the pregame show.
About the LumberKings 
 
The LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are in their 63rd season in the league and their 10th as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since the club's inception in 1937, 280 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. Advertising and tickets for the 2018 season are available by calling (563) 242-0727 or by visiting lumberkings.com