Clinton sweeps doubleheader from Kernels

Cedar Rapids, IA (May 26, 2018) - For the first time in franchise history the Clinton LumberKings swept a doubleheader from the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Veteran Memorial Stadium at Perfect Game Field. The LumbeKings (26-21) took game one 4-1 before dropping the Kernels (22-23) 9-6 in the back end of the twin billing.
The wins marks the first time since May 2^nd, 1999 that Clinton has swept a doubleheader in Cedar Rapids.
GAME ONE
Clinton took game one behind a strong season debut by Orlando Razo. The lefty held the Kernels to just one run over his 5.1 innings of work allowing four hits while walking none and striking out six.
Razo (1-0) was backed by early LumberKings offense. In the top of the second inning, Clinton scored the first runs of the game on a two-run home run by Dimas Ojeda to left. The homer was Ojeda's fifth of the season and gave the LumberKings a lead they would not relinquish.
The Kernels could only muster an unearned run in game one. Following a Johnny Adams error at shortstop and sacrifice bunt, Alex Kiriloff singled to left center field to score what proved to be the only Kernels run of the game.
The LumberKings added on against Kernels starter Brusdar Graterol in the top of the sixth inning. The second home run of the game for Clinton capped the scoring. Ariel Sandoval hooked a long home run around the foul pole in left against Graterol (1-2) for his seventh long fly of the season.
GAME TWO
Clinton completed the doubleheader sweep thanks to two big innings in the back end of the twin billing. The LumberKings took a three-run lead in the top of the third inning. Johnny Adams, who had entered the game 0-for-his-last-32 at-bats, slugged his third home run of the season for a two-run shot to give Clinton a 3-0 lead.
The lead did not hold up for LumberKings starter Ryne Inman who allowed all three of his runs to score against him in the bottom of the third. Royce Lewis started the scoring a two run double down the line at third and scored on the next pitch when Alex Kiriloff lifted a sacrifice fly to center.
The LumberKings would pull away in the top of the fifth. 10 batters came to the plate in a five-run outburst that put Clinton on top for good. Jose Martinez was charged with allowing all five of the runs in the inning which started with a walk to Ryan Scott and hit-by-pitch by Billy Cooke. Three batters latter Adam collected his third RBI of the night a with a single to center that chased Martinez (0-3) from the game.
Inman (2-2) took the win for Clinton a five inning outing in which he allowed three runs on four hits while walking three and striking out seven.
After the LumberKings added a run in the top of the seventh the Kernels rallied to bring the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the seventh. Matt Clancy then struck out Ben Rortvedt to end the game and preserve the LumberKings 9-6 win.

The LumberKings will meet the Cedar Rapids Kernels for the second consecutive doubleheader with games four and five of the six-game series on Sunday afternoon. Clinton will throw left-hander Nick Wells (3-2, 4.50) and righty Clay Chandler (1-1, 4.01) while the Kernels will counter with righty Edwar Colina (2-1, 2.39) in game one and right-hander Randy Dobnak (3-2, 6.12) in game two.
Fans looking to listen to the call of the twin billing can hear Erik Oas at 2:05 PM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI to being at 1:50 PM.
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