Pizzano homer stops Rattlers
CLINTON, IA - Clinton LumberKings outfielder Dario Pizzano came up with big hits against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers often in the first half. He did it again in the first meeting of the second half with a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to provide winning margin. Clinton topped the Timber Rattlers 2-1 Tuesday at Ashford University Field.
Wisconsin (29-41 overall, 0-5 second half) jumped in front with a run in the top of the first inning. Orlando Arcia reached on an error and Tyrone Taylor followed with a single to put runners on the corners with one out. Taylor extended his current hitting streak to nine games with that single.
Victor Roache was next and he delivered a sharp single to left to drive in Arcia for a 1-0 lead.
Rattlers starting pitcher Leonard Lorenzo pitched out of a pair of early jams and was cruising through the middle innings. But, he walked Ketel Marte with one out in the bottom of the sixth and fell behind Pizzano 1-0. Pizzano hit the next pitch over the wall in right field. That put Clinton (37-37, 4-1) up 2-1. Lorenzo allowed two runs on four hits with five strikeouts over his six innings, but took the loss.
The Rattlers had chances in the seventh and eighth innings. Mike Garza singled to start the seventh inning, but Adam Giacalone grounded into a double play to stop the rally. Orlando Arcia singled with two outs in the top of eighth to get Taylor to the plate. Taylor sent a pop fly to shallow right near the foul line that looked like it may drop. But, Jabari Henry made a sliding catch to deny Taylor his third hit of the game.
Wisconsin went down in order in the top of the ninth and dropped their sixth straight game.
Taylor went 2-for-4 in the game and is 18-for-31 (.581) during his nine-game hitting streak.
Game two of the series is Wednesday evening. Eric Semmelhack (1-3, 4.14) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Clinton will send Matt Anderson (3-6, 4.48) to the mound. Game time is 7:00pm. Tune in for the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:40pm.
HOME RUN:
CLN:
Dario Pizzano (4th, 1 on in 6th inning off Leonard Lorenzo, 1 out)
WP: Charles Kaalekahi (1-0)
LP: Leonard Lorenzo (1-4)
SAVE: Scott Bordonaro (1)
TIME: 2:29