Kerr's strong goes to waste in 6-4 loss

Clinton, IA (May 19, 2018) - A quality start by Ray Kerr went to waste in a Clinton LumberKings 6-4 loss to the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Saturday night at Ashford University Field. The third straight quality start by LumberKings (21-17) pitching could not prevent a three-run Kernels (18-19) eighth that proved to be the difference.
The game seesawed back and forth for the first six innings. Both teams traded first inning runs before the Kernels took their second lead of the night in the top of the third inning. Three straight singles to open the inning against Kerr loaded the bases. Two batters later Shane Carrier drove home a run with an RBI ground out to second.
The LumberKings answered the run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Ariel Sandoval singled to lead off the inning and moved to third on a combination hit-batter and wild pitch. Dimas Ojeda then scored Sandoval from third with RBI ground out to second to tie the score at two.
Cedar Rapids took the lead for good in the top of the seventh inning. LumberKings reliever Adonis De La Cruz walked the first batter he faced, David Banuelos, and then allowed a single to Jordan Gore that put runners at first and third with nobody out. Banuelos scored from third when Gore stole second and the throw from catcher Nick Thurman bounced into right field.
Leading 3-2, the Kernels added to their lead in the top of the eighth inning. De La Cruz (0-2) was charged with all three runs that scored in the inning. Cedar Rapids opened the frame with three straight singles to force home the first run and brought home the next two runs of the inning with a two-run single from Gore.
Clinton rallied in the bottom of the ninth. Two out doubles from Ojeda and Thurman pulled the LumberKings to within two. Jared Finkel then induced a ground ball from Billy Cooke to end the game and set up a rubber match for the three-game series Sunday afternoon.
All of the Kernels 13 hits went for singles with the LumberKings recording the game's only extra base hits in the bottom of the ninth.
The LumberKings conclude their three-game set with the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Sunday afternoon. Clinton will throw left-hander Oliver Jaskie (1-3, 5.52) while the Kernels will counter with righty Brusdar Graterol (1-0, 0.63). First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM. Fans looking to listen to the call of the game can hear Erik Oas at 1:45 PM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI.
Sunday's are Kid's days at Ashford University Field with balloon artists, face painting, and postgame kids run the bases all courtesy of The Children's Discovery Center. Sunday will also be Miss Clinton County Day with Miss Clinton County in attendance to take pictures and hand out tiaras!
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 2018 season are available by calling (563) 242-0727 or by visiting lumberkings.com