GENEVA, IL (June 28, 2017) - Joe Rizzo, in one of the more dramatic home runs of the season, slugged a two-run ninth inning home run to end the Clinton LumberKings losing streak at five games with a 6-5 win over the Kane County Cougars on Wednesday afternoon at Northwestern
GENEVA, IL (June 28, 2017) - Joe Rizzo, in one of the more dramatic home runs of the season, slugged a two-run ninth inning home run to end the Clinton LumberKings losing streak at five games with a 6-5 win over the Kane County Cougars on Wednesday afternoon at Northwestern Medicine Field.
The game was delayed for one hour and 48 minutes due to rain, but when the contest began the Cougars (4-3, 43-31) jumped on LumberKings starter Danny Garcia early. Kane County put up two runs in the bottom of the first, the first run scoring on a bases loaded walk that was issued to Roman Hernandez. The damage was limited when the Manny Jefferson flew into a double play. A run scored, but LumberKings (2-5, 33-41) right fielder Gareth Morgan recorded the second out of the inning when he threw out Hernandez trying to tag up to second base.
The LumberKings threatened Cougars starter Curtis Taylor consistently but did not break through against him until the top of the fifth inning. The LumberKings loaded the bases against Taylor with two-out and took their first lead of the game when Luis Rengifo doubled to left for three runs. Joe Rizzo followed the bases clearing double with an RBI single to center that put Clinton on top 4-2.
The lead did not last long for the LumberKings. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Fernery Ozuna slugged a two out three-run home run against Tim Viehoff to put the Cougars back on top, 5-4.
In the top of the ninth, Bryson Brigman lead off with his third hit of the day, a single to right and moved to second on a Rengifo sacrifice bunt. Joe Rizzo then crushed a 2-2 pitch from Cody Clark into right centerfield, turning a one run deficit into a one run lead. The home run was Rizzo's third of the year.
Clark (0-1) was charged with his first blown save and first loss of the season for his 1.1 innings of relief work.
Ben DeLuzio doubled to open the bottom of the ninth, his third double of the game, and following a wild pitch moved to third with two out in the inning. Jeffeson Medina then faced Ramon Hernandez who lined the second pitch of the at-bat to center that was caught by Billy Cooke on a sliding catch to preserve the LumberKings second win of the second half.
Medina (3-0) earned the win with 3.1 innings of shutout relief, walking none and striking out two.
The LumberKings will conclude their four-game series with the Kane County Cougars on Thursday night. Left-handed pitcher Lane Ratliff (1-1, 3.68) will take the ball for Clinton and face Kane County's right-handed pitcher Emilio Vargas (2-3, 3.89). 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
