LumberKings Avoid No-Hitter, Fall 4-3

Clinton, IA - After being no-hit through the first six innings on Sunday afternoon, the Clinton LumberKings battled back to tie the game in the seventh inning but eventually lost to the Kane County Cougars, 4-3 at Ashford University Field.

The Cougars' Kyle Smith was unhittable in just his second professional start as he pitched six no-hit innings before making way for reliever Jason Mitchell. Smith walked Nate Melendres in the first inning but he was doubled off third base on a flare by Ji-Man Choi to end the inning. The 19-year-old right-hander faced the minimum 18 batters through his six innings.

Jason Mitchell entered the game with a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning and quickly retired Jamal Austin and Melendres. The no-hit bid was broken up by Choi with a sharp single to center field. He moved to second when Ramon Morla reached on a fielder's choice that put two on with two away. The next batter, Jabari Blash launched a three-run blast that hit off the protective netting in front of the scoreboard in left center to tie the game.

Kyle Hunter took over for LumberKings starter Jeremy Dobbs in the sixth inning and kept Kane County off the scoreboard for 2 2/3 innings. It was still 3-3 to start the ninth inning when Clinton turned to its third pitcher of the day, Bobby Shore. Julio Aparicio, the first batter of the inning hit a fly ball to right field that hit off the top of the wall and bounced over for a solo home run and a 4-3 lead. Clinton got a one-out single by Morla in the bottom of the ninth but Blash struck out and Dan Paolini grounded out to end the game.

Clinton is back at home again on Monday night as they open a three-game set with the Peoria Chiefs. The LumberKings turn to All-Star Jordan Shipers (2-3, 3.75) and the Chiefs send right-hander Zach Cates (0-0, 0.00) who will make his first Peoria start after being demoted from High-A Daytona. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM.