Offense struggles in 4th of July loss

CLINTON, IA (July 4, 2017) - A sellout Fourth of July crowd saw the Clinton LumberKings continue their offensive struggles in a 3-2 loss to the Burlington Bees on Tuesday night at Ashford University Field. The LumberKings (3-10, 34-46) ended their scoreless inning streak at 18 with two runs in the first but failed to score again in the series opening loss.
The games scoring started early with the Bees (6-6, 36-45) jumping out with a run in the top of the first inning. Lane Ratliff allowed the first three batters in the first to reach against him, the last a Jordan Zimmerman RBI single to right that scored Jahmai Jones.
The LumberKings answered right back in the bottom of the first inning to take their first lead in three games. Luis Rengifo drew a walk to lead off the inning, following two pop outs, moved to second on a Joe Rizzo single. Rengifo then stole third, his team leading 22 steal of the season, and scored when Gareth Morgan doubled into the left field corner for two runs. The single swing was the only offense for the LumberKings for the rest of the night.
In the top of the third inning, the score was tied on a Jack Kruger solo home run to left center field off Ratliff. The home run was Kruger's fourth of the season.
The score remained tied at two as the game settled into a battle of bullpens. Ronald Dominguez preserved the tie through the seventh and eighth innings but finally surrendered a run in his third inning of work, the top of the ninth. Dominguez retired the first two batters in the ninth but then allowed a Jones two out triple to right center field. In the second pitch to Kruger, LumberKings catcher, Nick Thurman mishandled a pitch for a passed ball allowing what proved to be the winning run to score from third.
Jackson Zarubin worked the final two innings for Burlington and did not allow a LumberKing to reach base. He struck out four during his outing and earned the win. Zarubin's (5-1) fifth of the season.
Clinton struck out 14 times in the game and did record a hit after a Jhombeyker Morales bunt single in the fifth inning.
The LumberKings will continue the 7-game homestand with the second game of a three-game series against the Burlington Bees on Wednesday night. Right-handed pitcher Brandon Miller (8-3, 3.64) will take the ball for Clinton and face Burlington right-handed pitcher Erik Manoah Jr. (3-5, 4.44). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 6:15 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI, Erik Oas is on the call. Wednesday's are "Wing Wednesday's" at Ashford University Field with 50 cent wings all game long.
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