LumberKings Storm Back to Capture Series

PEORIA, IL (April 17, 2019) - The Clinton LumberKings rallied for five runs in the seventh inning on Wednesday afternoon at Dozer Park to beat the Peoria Chiefs 8-4. Jerar Encarnacion and Bubba Hollins each had home runs for Clinton (6-6) as they ended the five-game road trip with a 4-1 mark.
Hollins was the first run to score in the game and was not retired in his five trips to the plate. He doubled with one out in the second inning and was chased home on a Marcos Rivera double four pitches later. Hollins ended his day going 2-for-2 with a home run, a double, three walks, and two runs scored.
The 1-0 lead did not hold up for long. Peoria (5-8) tied the game in the bottom of the second on an RBI single from Josh Shaw, and put a single run up in the third and fourth innings to take a 3-1 lead over the LumberKings.
The LumberKings offense had little to show following the second inning and trailed by two heading into the top of the seventh. Jacob Schlesener came into the game for the Chiefs and did not record an out while walking all four batters he faced. Brayan Hernandez drove home the tying run with a sacrifice fly after Schlesener's (0-3) departure. Clinton took the lead for good two batters later with a Jerar Encarnacion three-run home run to left - his second of the series and fourth of the year.
The five-run Clinton rally tied for the largest of the season. The outburst matched Monday night's game deciding rally in the opener of the series.
C.J. Carter followed the start by Humberto Mejia and turned in 1.1 innings of relief work that earned him his second win of the year. Carter (2-1) allowed just one run - a Lars Nootbaar solo home run in the seventh - and struck out one while walking none during his time out.
In the top of the eighth, the LumberKings added two more runs to put the game out of reach. Bubba Hollins opened the inning with a home run to left - his second of the series and of the season - and Marcos Rivera singled to follow, scoring on a throwing errors by Chiefs shortstop Delvin Perez.
The win marks a series win for Clinton - their second straight series win.  
The LumberKings will now head home to open a six-game homestand starting on Thursday night against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers for a three-game series. Clinton will throw right-handed pitcher George Soriano (0-0, 1.42) while Wisconsin will counter with righty Max Lazar (1-0, 0.90). 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 11:50 a.m. with the pregame show.
Thursday will be the first "Thirsty Thursday" of the season in Clinton. All fans over the age of 21 can enjoy $2 select beers throughout the ballpark all game long.
 
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