Cooke drives in 2; scores winning run in 10th

Burlington, IA (August 22, 2018) - Billy Cooke drove home two runs and scored the winning run for the Clinton LumberKings in a 3-2 win over the Burlington Bees on Wednesday night at Community Field. The win snaps a losing streak of five games for Clinton (26-33, 65-64) and gives them a chance for their first series win in August tomorrow night.
The LumberKings staked themselves to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning against Bees (18-37, 48-76) starter Austin Krzeminski. Clinton loaded the bases with two out on an Ariel Sandoval single, Johnny Adams reaching on an error, and a Zach Scott walk. Cooke then floated a ball into center field to drive home two and give the LumberKings their first lead of the night
The two runs of support for Clinton starter Clay Chandler looked like it would be enough.
The Bees pulled to within one run against Chandler in the bottom of the third inning. A one out double by Orlando Martinez was followed two batters later by a Spencer Griffin RBI single.
Chandler allowed no more runs over his five innings of work and was followed by Marvin Gorgas who shutout Burlington over his three innings out.
The Bees tied the score in the bottom of the ninth against LumberKings reliever Kyle Wilcox. Cam Williams tripled on the first pitch thrown by Wilcox (4-3) and then scored on a Martinez sacrifice fly to center.
In the top of the tenth, Clinton reclaimed their lead. Cooke was assigned to second to start the inning, as per Minor League Baseball's extra inning rule, and moved to third on a Matt Sanders ground out. Cooke then crossed the plate when Bees reliever Andrew Wantz (1-1) threw a wild pitch with two out in the inning.
Wilxcox worked around the Bees free runner with three strikeouts in the bottom of the tenth to earn his fourth win of the season.
The LumberKings will meet the Burlington Bees for the finale of their three-game series on Thursday night. Clinton will throw left-hander Ray Kerr (3-10, 4.19) while the Bees will counter with righty Mitchell Traver (5-5, 2.01). Game time is slated for 6:30 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 tunein radio ap at 6:15 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 2019 season are available by calling (563) 242-0727 or by visiting lumberkings.com