Roberson Deals, Encarnacion Thrills

Geneva, IL (April 5, 2019) - Clinton LumberKings starter Josh Roberson picked up his first win of the season in an 5-1 victory over the Kane County Cougars on Friday afternoon at Northwestern Medicine Field. Jerar Encarnacion added his second three hit game of the brief season with a 3-for-5 day at the plate that included a double, an RBI, and a run scored.
Clinton's (1-1) scoring started early against Cougars (0-1) starter Ryan Weiss. With tow out in the top of the first inning, J.D. Osborne sliced a double down the line in right to plate Encarnacion for the first run of the game.
The following inning the LumberKings again tagged Weiss (0-1) with two out in the frame. Demetrius Sims singled to extend the inning and was followed four pitched later by a Connor Scott triple to center went for his first hit as a LumberKing.
Roberson (1-0) needed no more support in a sharp debut that spanned 5.2 innings. He held Kane County to one unearned run on the bottom of the second and, for the most part, scattered six hits while walking two and striking out five.
In the top of the sixth, Clinton added to their lead with a three-run rally that put the game out of reach. Scott, Thomas Jones, and Encarnacion each drove in a run.  
Against a combination of four Cougars pitchers, LumberKings batters worked six walks and again chased the opposing starter after just three innings.
Sean Guenther, C.J. Carter, and Zach Wolf followed Roberson out of the bullpen and combined to shout out the Cougars over the final three innings.
The LumberKings will now head home for Saturday's home opener with the Cougars. Clinton will throw right-handed pitcher Humberto Mejia (0-0, 0.00) with George Soriano (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to piggy back the start while the Cougars will counter with righty righty Justin Lewis  (0-0, 0.00).
Fans remember to arrive early to the ballpark for a 2019 LumberKings magnet schedule giveaway courtesy of Jewel-Osco.
Game time is slated for 6:30 p.m. (CDT). 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 6:15 p.m. with the pregame show.
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