Late Chiefs homer sinks LumberKings

Clinton, IA (June 1, 2018) - A ninth inning home run by Elehuris Montero was the difference in a 4-3 Clinton LumberKings loss to the Peoria Chiefs on Friday night at Ashford University Field. The win was the sixth straight for Peoria (31-24) and drops the LumberKings (30-23) out of first place.
In the bottom of the first, the LumberKings scored all of their runs on one swing of the bat. In the only blemish of the night for Chiefs starter Alvaro Seijas, Jack Larsen slugged a three-run homer into the Lumber Lounge in right field to spot Clinton an early 3-0 lead.
Seijas allowed no more following the home run. He turned in 6.2 innings of work allowed six hits while walking none and striking out six but was given a no decision for his time out.
The Chiefs answered the LumberKings in the top of the second inning with the first of two consecutive two-out rallies against starter Nick Wells. Jose Martinez would score the first run of the night for Peoria after reaching on a double. Angel Moreno then singled to right to score Martinez and pull to within two.
In the top of the third, the Chiefs tied the score. In Wells final innings of work, he allowed two two-out singles to Julio Rodriguez and JR Davis and then walked Bryce Denton to load the bases. Five pitches later Matt Fielder singled to left to score two and tie the game at three.
The score remained tied into the ninth inning. Kyle Wilcox in his second inning of relief for Clinton struck out the first batter of the inning before allowing a solo home run to Montero that went out over the left center field wall. The home run was his sixth of the season ad was enough for Wilcox (2-2) to be hung with the loss.
The LumberKings put the tying run on in the bottom of the ninth against Chiefs reliever Fabian Blanco on a one out walk to Dimas Ojeda. Blanco (1-0) then retired the next two batters to earn his first win of the season.
The LumberKings will continue their home-stand with the second game of a three-game set with the Peoria Chiefs. Clinton will throw right-handed pitcher Clay Chandler (1-1, 4.08) while Peoria will turn to righty Johan Oviedo (1-4, 6.56). First pitch is scheduled 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 tune in radio ap at 6:15 PM with the pregame show.
Saturday will be 80s night presented by 1^st Gateway Credit Union at Ashford University Field. The first two hundred fans through the gates will receive phone books to get in the spirits of the festivities. With a special postgame concert by AC/DC cover band Rolling Thunder to kick off the "Stay Late Saturday" concert series.
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