Rosa goes deep in LumberKings matinee win

Clinton, IA (April 11, 2018) - The Clinton LumberKings received a big day from Joseph Rosa as they dropped the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 4-2 on Wednesday afternoon at Ashford University Field. Rosa slugged his first home run of the year for the LumberKings (4-2) as part of a 2-for-3 day at the plate that included two RBI and a walk.
Clinton started the scoring early off Timber Rattlers' (2-4) starter Carlos Herrera; scoring a run in the bottom of the first without collecting a hit. A leadoff walk to Rosa, a ground out, and two balks gave the LumberKings their first run of the game and an early 1-0 lead.
Herrera (0-1) lasted just three plus innings for Wisconsin as he struggled to command the strike zone. The righty walked four batters during his time out, three of which came around to score.
The only runs of the game for the Timber Rattlers came across in the top of the second inning. Doubles by KJ Harrison and Gilbert Lara tied the game at one and were followed by a two out RBI single from Jay Feliciano that put Wisconsin in front 2-1.
The lead did not last long as the LumberKings plated two runs in the bottom of the third to take the lead for good. Walks to Nick Thurman and Billy Cooke opened the inning, and Rosa drove home his first run of the game with an RBI single to center. Cooke went to third on Rosa's single and scored when Rosa was picked off of first and caught in a run down. Cooke then broke for the plate and beat the tag of catcher Harrison with a head first slide. The unconventional run put the LumberKings on top 3-2.
Rosa added insurance for Clinton the bottom of the seventh inning when he a smashed his first home run as a LumberKing off the ribbon board in right.
Austin Hutchison (1-0) earned the win for the LumberKings for his 3.1 innings of shutout relief. The righty struck out four while walking two before turning the ball over to Matt Clancy for the final two innings.
Clancy earned his first save of the season as he allowed just one base runner to reach against him during his time out.
The LumberKings will now host the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers for the series finale on Thursday night at Ashford University Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM with gates opening at 5:00 PM. The LumberKings will throw left-handed pitcher Nick Wells (1-0, 3.60) while the Timber Rattlers will counter with right-handed pitcher Alec Bettinger (0-1, 13.50).
Thursdays are "thirsty Thursdays" at Ashford University Field this season. All fans 21 years and older can enjoy $2 tall boy Coors Light and Miller Lite from 5-8 PM. Gates will open at 5 PM. For fans unable to make it to Thursday night's games, all games can be heard on 100.3 FM WCCI or online at lumberkings.com with Erik Oas on the call.
 
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, 278 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