CLINTON, IA (June 8, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings won their first series since the middle of May knocking off the first-place Cedar Rapids Kernels 4-1 on Thursday night at Ashford University Field. Gareth Morgan ended a power slump and slugged his first home run in nearly a month to
CLINTON, IA (June 8, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings won their first series since the middle of May knocking off the first-place Cedar Rapids Kernels 4-1 on Thursday night at Ashford University Field. Gareth Morgan ended a power slump and slugged his first home run in nearly a month to start the LumberKings (23-33) offense in the series finale.
Robert Dugger made his third start of the year for the LumberKings and was in command throughout his five shutout innings of work. The Kernels (34-26) tallied just two hits of the Clinton right-hander who earned his second win of the season. Dugger (2-1) struck out four while walking just one and never allowed a Kernels runner to reach third.
Clinton struggled at first against Kernels starter Domenick Carlini IV. The Cedar Rapids lefty set down the first five batters he faced and looked to be cruising through the second when he struck out the first two batters of the inning before pitching himself into trouble. Gareth Morgan then drove a 2-0 fastball off the scoreboard in left for the first run and hit of the game. The home run was Morgan's fifth of the year and his first since hitting two home runs in Wisconsin on May 16. The LumberkIngs were not done in the second inning. Ryan Scott doubled to left on the very next pitch and scored when Nick Zammarelli III floated a single into left field.
Leading 2-0, the LumberKings added to their lead in the fifth. Carlini (3-4), in his last inning of work, gave up consecutive one out singles to Bryson Brigman and Joe Rizzo. A Carlini wild pitch moved Brigman to third and Rizzo to second setting the stage for the second Clinton rally of the night. Luis Rengifo scored Brigman from third on a sacrifice fly to center and Anthony Jimenez capped the rally when he drove home Rizzo with a single to center.
The Kernels avoided the shutout in the top of the seventh inning. Hank Morrison drew a one out walk from LumberKings reliever Tim Viehoff and scored when the next batter Ben Rortvedt doubled to left for the first and only Cedar Rapids run of the game.
Jack Anderson worked the final two innings for Clinton and did not allow a run while striking out two, walking none, and giving up two hits. The outing was good enough for Anderson to earn his second save of the season.
The LumberKings will hit the road to open up a four-game series with the Peoria Chiefs. Right-handed pitcher Brandon Miller (6-3, 3.72) will take the ball for Clinton and face Peoria's left-handed pitcher Ian Oaxnavad (0-6, 4.24) First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 6:45 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call.
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
