Snappers score early and often to drop LKings

BELOIT, WI (June 1, 2017) - The Clinton LumberKings mustered just one run to drop the rubber game of a three-game series with the Beloit Snappers on Thursday night at Pohlman Field. Joe Rizzo went hitless for the LumberKings (21-30) to have his team-high 10 game hitting streak snapped.
The Snappers (27-26) scored early and often, putting their first run on the board in the first inning. Luis Barrera doubled off Ljay Nesome to leadoff the first and scored two batters later on a Nate Mondou RBI single to right.
Newsome (4-5) worked five innings for Clinton but took the loss to run his losing streak to four games.
The LumberKings scored their only run of the night in the top of the ninth inning. Luis Liberato singled with one out in the inning and moved to third on a Luis Rengifo double to right. Bryson Brigman scored Liberato with a ground out to short to tie the game at one.
Beloit took the lead for good in the bottom of the third inning. Collin Theroux led off the frame with a mammoth solo home run to left to put the Snappers on top. Barrera scored the third and final run of the inning for Beloit on a Mondou sacrifice fly to center.
Mondou continued to hit in the middle of the Snappers lineup going 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored. But the power for Beloit came from Theroux who went 2-for-4 with two home runs., giving him eight long flies on the season.
The Snappers tacked on a run in the sixth inning before breaking out for a four-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning.
LumberKings hitters could not solve Snappers pitching. Brendan Butler matched a season high for strikeouts with nine to earn his second win of the year.
Xavier Altamirano followed Butler (2-3) with three shutout innings of work to preserve the Snappers win and earn his first save of the season.
The LumberKings now head home to open a six-game home stand that begins with the first of three with the Peoria Chiefs on Friday night. Right-handed pitcher Robert Dugger (1-1, 3.07) will take the ball for Clinton. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM (CDT) with the pregame show beginning at 6:15 PM (CDT) on 100.3 FM WCCI Erik Oas is on the call.  Friday with be the first of four post-game fireworks shows presented by WQAD-TV.
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