Comeback push falls short

CLINTON, IA (August 15, 2017) - A come from behind effort by the Clinton LumberKings fell short as the Kane County Cougars held on for a 5-4 win on Tuesday night at Ashford University Field. Jhombeyker Morales led the LumberKings (21-30, 52-66) comeback effort with a 3-for-3 night at the plate that included two doubles, a run scored, one RBI, and a walk.
Clinton spotted the Cougars (28-23, 67-51) an early lead. Kane County scored all five of their runs off LumberKings starter Ryne Inman. In the top of the first inning, the Cougars rallied for two runs on a walk to Anfernee Grier and double by Marcus Wilson.
The lead for Kane County expanded in the top of the fifth inning. Inman (1-3), in his final inning of work, allowed three runs to score as the Cougars sent eight men to the plate. Many Jefferson capped the rally with the fifth Cougars hit of the inning, scoring Stephen Smith.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, the LumberKings began to chip away. Johnny Slater plated Clinton's first two runs of the game with a single to center that scored Nick Thurman and Morales.
Cougars starter Riley Smith then allowed another run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Nick Zammarelli III singled with one out and scored on a Morales double high off the wall in left. The ball missed being a home run by mere inches and lead to the end of the inning when Gareth Morgan tried to score from first only to be thrown out at the plate.
Smith (2-0) was taken out following the sixth inning but earned the win for Kane County for his six innings of work.
The LumberKings pulled to within one in the bottom of the seventh inning. Dimas Ojeda smashed a triple to center, his first of the season, and then scored on a wild pitch to pull to within one.
The LumberKings threatened again in the bottom of the eighth, but left the bases loaded and went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth. Carlos Bustamonte earned the save for Kane County, his first of the season.
The LumberKings will play game three of their four-game series with the Kane County Cougars on Wednesday night. Left-handed pitcher Danny Garcia (6-11, 6.13) will take the ball for Clinton and face the Cougars right-handed pitcher Emilio Vargas (5-4, 3.39). Game time is slated for 6:30 PM (C.D.T.) with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI beginning at 6:15 PM, Erik Oas will be on the call. Wednesdays are "Wing Wednesdays" at Ashford University Field with 50 cent wings available all game long.
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, 272 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