Snappers big rallies sink LumberKings

CLINTON, IA (June 24, 2017) - Two big innings by the Beloit Snappers were enough to sink the Clinton LumberKings 7-4 on Saturday night at Ashford University Field. An early 2-0 LumberKings (1-2, 32-38) lead did not hold against Beloit's (2-1, 34-38) four-run fourth and three-run ninth inning.
The LumberKings built an early lead in the bottom of the first against Snappers starter Xavier Altamirano. Luis Rengifo started the offense with a double to left and scored when the next batter Bryson Brigman singled him home for the game's first run. Brigman did not stay on first for very long and was picked off the bag, but the LumberKings struck again for their second run of the inning when Anthony Jimenez walked, stole second, and scored on a Yojhan Quevedo RBI single to right.
Altamirano (3-1) settled down following the first, not allowing another run to score during his five innings of work which included six strikeouts and just one walk.
Lane Ratliff started for Clinton and cruised through his first two innings, setting down the first six Snappers that faced him. In the top of the fourth, Beloit finally broke through against Ratliff (1-1). The first three men of the inning reached with Kyle Nowlin's double being the third straight hit that drove home Nate Mondou for the Snappers first run. J.C. Rodriguez then singled home the second run of the inning forcing Ratliff out of the game. Jeffeson Medina came out of the pen and surrendered a two-run double to Collin Theroux before recording the final two outs of the inning.
Leading 4-1, Beloit added to their lead with their second rally of the night. The Snappers added three more runs in the top of the eighth inning, a rally that was capped by a Trace Loehr RBI triple to right center field.
Clinton put two more runs on the board. Scoring a single run in the bottom of the eighth and a single run in the bottom of the ninth, but came short of overcoming the Snappers big innings.
The LumberKings will conclude their four-game home stand and series with the Beloit Snappers on Sunday afternoon. Right-handed pitcher Brandon Miller (8-3, 3.55) will take the ball for Clinton and face Beloit's right-handed pitcher Zack Erwin (1-0, 1.25). First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 1:45 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call. Remember arrive early for the fourth installment of the baseball card strip giveaway courtesy of Mediacom and Clinton National Bank. Also, fans can bring their furry four legged friends to the ballpark with the return of bark in the park.
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, 270 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