Four-run first leads to LumberKings series win

CLINTON, IA (May 13, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings batted around for four runs in the first inning and continued to add on in a 7-4 win over the Great Lakes Loons on Saturday night at Ashford University Field. Seven LumberKings (13-20) batters recorded a hit during the game with Gareth Morgan leading the way with a 3-for-4 night at the plate to go with an RBI.
The LumberKings led throughout the game, scoring four runs on seven hits in the bottom of the first inning off Loons (16-20) starter Willian Soto. Bryson Brigman drove home the first run of the inning with an RBI triple to right centerfield. Following a Joe Rizzo RBI ground out, Anthony Jimenez tripled to right center for the second three-bagger of the inning. The triple by Jimenez started a string of five straight LumberKings to reach by way of a hit. Morgan had the final hit of the inning, an RBI single to center that scored Nick Thurman.
Brandon Miller made his seventh start for Clinton this season and turned in his strongest outing of the year. In 5 and 1/3 innings Miller (4-2) struck out a professional career-high eight while walking just one to earn his fourth win of the season.
The Loons pushed their first run of the night across in the top of the second inning. Miller hit the first batter of the inning Cody Thomas and gave up a single to Oneil Cruz, who followed. Two batters later, Stevie Berman doubled to left to score Cruz.
Miller worked into the sixth inning, allowing a solo homme run to Errol Robinson, his first of the year, before being replaced by Michael Koval.
The LumberKings offense did go flat after the four-run first inning. Clinton added single runs in the bottom of the third, fifth, and sixth innings. Soto (4-1) took his first loss of the season for the Loons after he was removed following the fourth inning.
The Loons did make things closer by scoring an unearned run in the seventh inning and then tallying their second home run of the night in the top of the ninth inning.
Oneil Cruz homered to left with one out in the ninth for Great Lakes to pull to within three. LumberKings reliever Robert Dugger then recorded the final two outs to preserve the win and give the LumberKings their first series win since taking two of three from the Wisconsin Timber Rattler April 17-19.
The LumberKings will take tomorrow off before opening a three-game road trip and series with the Timber Rattlers. Left-handed pitcher Tim Viehoff (0-4, 4.55) will take the ball for Clinton and face Wisconsin's right-handed pitcher Trey Supek (1-2, 2.40). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 6:20 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call.  
 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, 270 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