Late homers lead Rattlers past LumberKings

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers were being no-hit through five innings in game one of a doubleheader on Friday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The Rattlers collected four hits, including home runs by Tyrone Taylor and Victor Roache, to rally from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Clinton LumberKings 4-3.

Clinton (14-17) got on the board in the top of the third inning. David Villasuso singled to start the inning, but was still there with two outs. Dario Pizzano doubled into the left field corner and Villasuso headed for home. The relay throw from shortstop Orlando Arcia beat VIllasuso to the plate by ten feet. But, plate umpire Jeremie Rehak ruled that Villasuso eluded the tag and ruled the Clinton base runner safe.

Timber Rattlers catcher Parker Berberet argued the call briefly before being ejected as manager Matt Erickson raced out to prevent his backstop getting the thumb. After a few more moments, Erickson was ejected from the game, too.

The LumberKings scored their second run in a less controversial fashion. Jordy Lara hit a 3-1 pitch from Damien Magnifico over the wall in left field for a solo homer and a 2-0 lead.

Wisconsin (15-15) got their first runner of the game when Adam Giacalone drew a one out walk in the bottom of the fifth inning. Clinton starting pitcher Matt Anderson set down the first thirteen batters of the game before the walk to Giacalone. Then, Alfredo Rodriguez coaxed a two out walk and Clint Coulter was hit by an 0-2 pitch to load the bases. But, Anderson got out of the inning when Orlando Arcia lined out to first.

Clinton added a run in the top of the sixth. Gaby Guerrero doubled off the third base bag with two outs to drive in Pizzano for a 3-0 advantage. But, it wasn't enough.

Taylor broke up Anderson's no-hit bid with a home run to lead off the bottom of the sixth. Michael Reed and Mitch Haniger followed with consecutive singles to bring Roache to the plate as the go ahead run. Roache lined a long home run to left on a 1-0 pitch and the Rattlers were suddenly up 4-3.

Taylor Mangum took over for Magnifico in the top of the seventh. Mangum struck out two to nail down his second save of the season and the Rattlers win in the opening game of the doubleheader.

Magnifico picked up the win to move to 4-0 on the season. He allowed three runs on six hits and struck out five over a professional career high of six innings pitched.

HOME RUNS:
CLN:
Jordy Lara (3^rd, 0 on in 4^th inning off Damien Magnifico, 1 out)

WIS:
Tyrone Taylor (3^rd, 0 on in 6^th inning off Matt Anderson, 0 out)
Victor Roache (3^rd, 2 on in 6^th inning off Matt Anderson, 0 out)

WP: Damien Magnifico (4-0)
LP: Matt Anderson (1-3)
SAVE: Taylor Mangum (2)

TIME: 1:51