McGovern homers & pitching thrills in 5-2 win

Peoria, IL (August 11, 2018) - Keegan McGovern homered for the ninth time this season and Clinton LumberKings pitching held on for a 5-2 win over the Peoria Chiefs on Saturday night at Dozer Park. Three LumberKings (23-25, 62-56) pitchers combined to hold the Chiefs (28-18, 67-49) to just two runs.
Clinton staked themselves to an early lead against Peoria's starting pitcher Alvero Seijas. Billy Cooke was hit by a pitch to open the game, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a Connor Hoover RBI single through the right side of the infield. McGovern then walked and Eugene Helder doubled home Hoover. The scoring was capped in the inning on a Seijas (4-7) throwing error down the line in right.
In the top of the third inning, the LumberKings added their final runs of the night. McGovern opened the frame with a solo home run to right and Dimas Ojeda followed two batters later with a double to left center field.
Ojeda moved to third on an error by Chiefs third basemen Nolan Gorman and then scored on a delayed steal of home, his first steal of the season.
Seijas was given the loss for a five-inning outing in which he allowed all five of the LumberKings runs and all six of Clinton's hits while walking three and striking out two.
Clay Chandler started for Clinton and earned his seventh win of the season for five innings of work in which he allowed two runs on six hits while walking one and striking out four.
Both of the Chiefs runs scored in the third inning on a two-run home run by Brandon Benson. Chandler (7-3) allowed no more during his time out and was followed by impressive work from the LumberKings bullpen.
Steven Moyers did not allow a base runner to reach over his three-shutout innings of relief and was awarded his first hold of the season.
Kyle Wilcox came on in the bottom of the ninth and set down the Chiefs 1-2-3 to earn his sixth save of the year.
The LumberKings will meet the Peoria Chiefs for the second game of their four-game series on Sunday afternoon. Clinton will throw left-hander Ray Kerr (4-10, 4.40) while the Chiefs will tap righty Angel Rondon (3-0, 2.51). First pitch is slated for 2:00 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 tunein radio ap at 1:45 PM with the pregame show.
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