Sanders slugs first pro homer in 4-1 win

Burlington, IA (August 23, 2018) - Matt Sanders hit his first home run of his professional career and the Clinton LumberKings topped the Burlington Bees 4-1 on Thursday night to earn their first series win since July. LumberKings (27-33, 66-64) pitching combined to strikeout 13 Bees (18-38, 48-77) batters including eight by starter Ray Kerr to match a professional career high.
Clinton scored their first run of the night quick against Bees starter Mitchell Traver. Billy Cooke was hit by the fourth pitch of the game and scored three batters later on an Onil Pena infield RBI single.
The Bees tied the game in the bottom of the third when they pushed across their only run of the night. Leo Rivas drew a one-out walk against Kerr (5-11) and moved to third on a single by Orlando Martinez. Kevin Williams Jr. followed with a sacrifice fly to center.
Kerr allowed no more over his time out. The lefty earned his fifth win of the season for a five-inning outing in which he allowed one run on three hits while walking one and striking out eight.
The LumberKings took the lead for good in the top of the fourth with Sanders first home run of his professional career. Sanders lined the third pitch of the inning from Traver (5-7) over the wall in left to put Clinton on top 2-1.
The LumberKings added to their lead with a run in the fifth on Pena's second RBI single of the game.
In the top of the eighth inning, Johnny Adams capped the scoring with an RBI triple off the wall in center that scored Ariel Sandoval from first.
Matt Clancy and Joey Gerber combined to shutout the Bees over the final three innings with Clancy awarded his third hold of the year and Gerber earning his first save of the season.
The LumberKings now head home for the final time in 2018 to open a seven-game homestand with the opener of a four-game series with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Friday night at Ashford University Field. Clinton will throw right-hander Scott Boches (2-5, 3.49) while the Timber Rattlers will counter with lefty Aaron Ashby (1-1, 2.39). Game time is slated for 6:30 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 6:15 PM with the pregame show.
Friday night will be the annual Clinton Community College back to school bash. See Clinton Community College for a special offer on tickets.
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 2019 season are available by calling (563) 242-0727 or by visiting lumberkings.com