LumberKings Fall in Extras

CLINTON, IA (May 17, 2019) - An early three-run lead for the Clinton LumberKings did not hold up in a 6-5 11-inning loss to the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Friday night. The loss was the LumberKings (19-20) third straight and tied for the longest of the year by innings played.
Clinton led early on, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning. The rally came with two out in the frame against Kernel's (19-22) starter Tyler Palm. Following singles by Demetrius Sims and Sean Reynolds, Jerar Encarnacion lined his seventh home run of the year into the Lumber Lounge in right.
The three-run home run held up for the rest of LumberKings starter Alberto Guerrero. Over his 5.2 inning outing he allowed no runs while walking three and striking out one. Guerrero, who received a no decision for his time out, did not allow a hit until one out in the sixth - the only hit he allowed.
The LumberKings remained out in front until the top of the eighth. Yeltsin Encarnacion reached on an error to open the inning and Jacob Pearson walked two batters later. With two out in the inning, Jared Atkins tied the game with a three-run home to right - his second of the series.
The score remained tied until extra innings. Both teams scored their free base runner assigned to second - as part of Minor League Baseball's extra inning rules - in the 10^th inning.
In the top of the 11^th Cedar Rapids struck for two runs against Tyler Jones (1-2).
The two runs held up for the Kernels in the bottom of the 11^th with Zach Neff on the mound J.D. Osborne came off the bench as a pinch hitter and doubled to center to score Marcos Rivera from second and pull Clinton to within one. Neff (1-0) then struck out the next two LumberKings to earn his first win of the year.  
The LumberKings will meet the Cedar Rapids Kernels for third game of their four-game series starting on Saturday night. Clinton will throw right-handed pitcher George Soriano (0-3, 4.94) while the Kernels will counter with righty Cole Sands (1-1, 2.59). Fans looking to listen to the game can hear Erik Oas on the call at 100.3 FM WCCI and online at lumberkings.com via the tunein radio ap at 6:15 p.m. (CDT) with the pregame show.
Saturday will be Hometown Heroes night with the LumberKings taking the field in Clinton Fire Department themed uniforms to honor the sacrifice of fallen fighter Eric Hosette and injured fire fighter Adam Cain. Arrive early to the game to receive a patriotic themed giveaway courtesy of Regalia Manufacturing.
 
About the LumberKings
The Clinton LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are preparing for their 64^thseason in the league and their first year of affiliation with the Miami Marlins. Since the club's inception in 1937, 281 former Clinton players have gone on to reach the Major Leagues. Advertising and tickets for the 2019 season are available by calling (563)242-0727 or by visiting LumberKings.com