Slater goes deep in lopsided LumberKings win

FORT WAYNE, IN (July 19, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings, after mustering just two runs over their last three games, exploded for 11 runs on 14 hits to drop the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Thursday night at Parkview Field. Johnny Slater slugged his first home run as a LumberKing (11-16, 42-52) in an offensive outburst.
The TinCaps (17-10, 43-54) took an early lead against LumberKings starter Ljay Newsome in the bottom of the first inning. Fort Wayne began the night with three straight hits off Newsome (5-8), who then settled down to pick up his first win since April 27.
In six innings of work Newsome allowed just one run on four hits while walking none and striking out five.
Clinton struggled early on against Fort Wayne starter Jim McDade and were shutout for the first three innings before finally pushing a run across in the top of the fourth.
The LumberKings took the lead for good in the top of the sixth on an unearned run that scored on a Fernando Tatis JR throwing error.
McDade (2-2) worked into the seventh inning but failed to record the final out of the inning and was hung with the loss. Johnny Slater followed a one out double from Nick Thurman with a two-run homer to right, his first as a LumberKing. Bryson Brigman capped the seventh inning rally with a single to center, one of his two RBI on the night.
The game was put out reach for good in the top of the ninth. The LumberKings sent 10 men to the plate to score six runs with most of the damage done with two out in the inning. Five straight two out hits chased home the six runs, with Gareth Morgan doubling home two to cap the rally. Morgan went 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI on the night.
Tyler Watson and Seth Elledge followed out of the bullpen to preserve the win. The TinCaps scored once in the bottom of the ninth on a Buddy Reed RBI double but Elledge retired, the next batter, Nate Easley on a fly out to right to end the game.
The LumberKings conclude their three-game series with the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Friday night. Right-handed pitcher Ryne Inman (0-0, 18.00) will take the ball for Clinton and face Fort Wayne's right-handed pitcher Reggie Lawson (2-3, 5.18). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 5:50 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call.  
The LumberKings return home to Ashford University Field on Wednesday, July 26 for the first of three- games with the Quad Cities River Bandits. Wednesdays are "Wing Wednesdays" 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, 271 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