LumberKings takes series with 3-2 win

South Bend, IN (May 12, 2018) - A game controlled by pitching went the way of the Clinton LumberKings as they topped the South Bend Cubs 3-2 on Saturday night at Four Winds Field. Despite being outhit, 8-to-7, Clinton (18-13) topped the Cubs (14-18) to earn their second straight series win.
South Bend started the scoring in the bottom of the first inning against Clinton starter Tommy Romero. With two out in the inning, Austin Filiere, Miguel Amaya, and Michael Cruz each singled to force across the first run of the game.
In the top of the third inning, Clinton broke through to take their first lead of the night. Joseph Rosa and Eugene Helder led the inning off with singles and then moved to third on a ground out. Johnny Adams then lined a two out, two-run, single to left to turn what was a one run deficit into a one run lead.
The lead did not hold up for long. In the bottom of the fourth Romero allowed his second and final run of the night. Michael Cruz drew a leadoff walk and moved to third on a single to right by Brandon Hughes. Romero then struck out the next two batters but allowed a Chris Singleton RBI single to left that tied the score at two.
The LumberKings broke the tie in the top of the seventh inning without the benefit of a hit. Cubs reliever Jose Albertos issued four walks in the inning leading to the run. With runners a first and third and one out Ariel Sandoval bounced into what looked like an inning ending double play. Instead a hard slide by Eugene Helder at second created a seconds hesitation that allowed Sandoval to beat out the throw at first and score the runner from third. For his time out, Albertos (0-4) was given the loss despite not allowing a hit in his 1.2 of work.
The lead held up Clinton thanks to strong pitching from Kyle Wilcox and Matt Clancy.
Wilcox (2-0) threw 2.1 perfect innings of relief, striking out four, before handing the ball over to Clancy in the bottom of the eighth.
Clancy set down the first two batters he faced but issued a walk to Rafeal Narea to open the bottom of the ninth inning. A sacrifice bunt and wild pitch moved Narea to third as the potential tying run. Clancy then struck out Singleton and forced Zach Davis to ground out to second basemen Rosa to end the game.
The LumberKings will take tomorrow off for Mother's Day before continuing their road trip with the first of four games against the Peoria Cheifs on Monday night. Clinton will throw right-hander Tommy Romero (2-2, 2.67) while the Cubs will counter with right Rollie Lacy (0-0, 2.38). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM (ET). Fans looking to listen to the call of the game can hear Erik Oas at 6:50 PM (ET) with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI.
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, 279 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