Seven-run fourth leads to 9-5 win

Clinton, IA (April 20, 2018) - A seven-run fourth inning by the Clinton LumberKings proved to be the difference in a 9-5 win over the Beloit Snappers on Friday night at Ashford University Field. Eight of the LumberKings (8-3) nine batters collected a hit in the game as Clinton moved into first place for the first time this season.
12 hits by Clinton batters and five Snappers (5-4) errors was the recipe for the LumberKings fourth straight win. Beloit pitching was consistently asked to pitch around errors in their first game in a week.
The Snappers raced out to an early lead in the top of the first inning off LumberKings starter Nick Wells. Three hits in the inning, two for doubles, by Beloit hitters staked them to an early 2-0 lead.
Clinton chipped away in the top of the third inning, with the first of seven unearned runs they would score on the night. Joseph Rosa singled to start the frame and then scored all the way from first on a Jake Lumley throwing error.
Trailing 2-1, the LumberKings then erupted for seven runs in the fourth inning. Snappers reliever Michael Danielak failed to get out of the inning as Clinton rattled off six hits in the frame and capitalized on four Snappers errors. Costello commenced the offensive onslaught with his first home run of the season, tying the game at two. Johnny Adams then capped the rally, eight batters later, with his second home run of the season. The Adams home run forced Danielak (0-2) from the game. When the rally had ended 11 LumberKings had come to the plate in the inning, for their biggest run scoring inning of the season.
Wells (2-0) continued his work for the LumberKings after being spotted an 8-2 lead following the fourth. The lefty worked five innings, allowing two runs, while walking none, and striking out two.
Austin Hutchison followed Wells and threw two scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit while striking out three.
Matt Clancy recorded the final six outs for Clinton. The Snappers put up three runs on the board in the top of the ninth to pull to with four but would get no further following an Austin Beck two-run home run.
The LumberKings will continue their homestand with the second game of a three-game set with the Beloit Snappers on Saturday night. Clinton will give the ball to right-hander Tommy Romero (1-1, 0.79) while the Snappers will tap righty Bryce Conley (1-0, 0.00). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM. Fans looking to listen to the call can hear Erik Oas at 6:15 PM with the pregame show on 100.3 FM WCCI.
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