Three Snappers homers drop LumberKings

CLINTON, IA (June 25, 2017) - Three two-run home runs by the Beloit Snappers were enough to come from behind and drop the Clinton LumberKings 7-5 at Ashford University Field on Sunday afternoon. Luis Barrera completed the Snappers (3-1, 35-38) comeback with a dramatic two-run pinch hit home run in the top of the ninth inning.
For the second straight game the LumberKings (1-3, 32-39) took an early lead against Beloit but failed to hang on. Clinton pushed two runs across in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI double by Yojhan Quevedo and RBI single from Nick Thurman. In the second they added to their lead with a Luis Rengifo two-run homer to left center that put Clinton on top 4-0.
The home run was Rengifo's second of the series and his seventh of the season, tying him for the team lead.
Brandon Miller started for the LumberKings and was sharp over his seven innings of work. He faced the minimum through the first three innings and made just two mistakes during his time out. The first of Miller's mistakes came in the top of the fourth inning when Miguel Mercedes slugged his 12th home run of the year over the wall in left for a two-run homer. The long fly was Mercedes fourth of the season against the LumberKings.
Miller allowed his second home run to Beloit in the top of the sixth inning. Luke Persico, appearing in his first game since colliding into the left field wall on June 15 in Clinton, hit another two-run homer to pull the Snappers to within one run, 5-4.
The LumberKings final run of the game came in the bottom of the fourth inning. A two out walk to Jhombeyker Morales and fielding error by Snappers shortstop Eric Mariñez brought home the fifth and final run for Clinton.
Clinging to a one run lead the LumberKings bullpen could not hold off Beloit. Kyle Wilcox worked the eighth and allowed the tying run to score. Nate Mondou led off with a double and scored when left fielder Dimas Ojeda and center fielder Anthony Jimenez collided in shallow left center field on a Luke Persic pop up. Jimenez needed help leaving the field and did not return to the game.
In the top of the ninth, the Snapper broke the tie against LumberKings reliever Michael Koval. Edwin Diaz opened the inning with a single and scored three batters later when Luis Barrera came off the bench with two-out in the inning and hit a home run to right to give Beloit their first lead of the game.
The loss was given to Koval (1-4) for his one inning of relief work, while Wilcox was charged with his first blown save of the season.
Clinton brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth following a Bryson Brigman one out double but Joseph Camacho retired the next two batters to preserve the win for Beloit.
The win was awarded to Camacho (1-1), his first of the year, for his three innings of shutout relief work.
The LumberKings will now hit the road for a four-game series with the Kane County Cougars beginning on Monday night. Right-handed pitcher Robert Dugger (3-1, 2.45) will take the ball for Clinton and face Kane County's left-handed pitcher Max Lemieux (2-2, 5.02). 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.
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