LumberKings drop series opener 4-3 to Lugnuts

CLINTON, IA (May 8, 2017) - For the fifth time in seven games the Clinton LumberKings played a one-run game, dropping the series opener to the Lansing Lugnuts 4-3 on Monday night at Ashford University Field. Lansing registered 12 hits on the night, with three coming from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who went 3-for-3 with two doubles, two runs scored, and two walks in the game.
The Lugnuts (17-12) took the early lead with two runs in the first inning. LumberKinngs starter Tim Viehoff allowed a leadoff single to Joshua Palacios and after retiring the next two batters allowed RBI hits to Guerrero and Bradley Jones.
In the bottom of the first, the LumberKings (11-18) answered back. Anthony Jimenez reached by way of an error and came into score on a Nick Zammarelli III RBI double high off the wall in right.
Two innings later in the bottom of the third, the LumberKings took their only lead of the night. Luis Liberato started the frame with a triple to left center field and scored two batters later on a Jimenez double. Joe Rizzo followed with an RBI single to give the LumberKings a 3-2 lead.
Viehoff (0-4) allowed another Lansing run to score in the fourth inning, tying the game. The Lugnuts broke the tie in the following inning when Viehoff was chased from the game with two out in the fifth inning.
Gurrerro collected his third hit of the night to start the Lansing rally and came into score on a Christian Williams RBI double to left. The Williams double would be the last batter Viehoff faced on the night.
The Lugnuts needed only two pitchers to hold the LumberKings to three runs. Lansing starter Mike Ellenbest (1-2) worked six innings and struck out six to earn his first win of the season.
Tayler Saucedo shutout the LumberKings over his three innings of work. Saucedo earned the save, his first of the year, scattering two hits and walking one while striking out four.
The LumberKings play game two of their three game series against the Lansing Lugnuts. Left-handed pitcher Nick Wells (0-2, 6.00) will take the ball for Clinton and face Lansing's right-handed pitcher Andy Ravel (2-0, 7.36). First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 11:55 AM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call. Wednesday is wing Wednesday at Ashford University Field with 50 cent wings all game long.
 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