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[Game Recap provided by Hot Rod's Tom Gauthier.]Bowling Green, KY – Ty Morrison hit his second homer of the season while Ryan Wiegand picked up another RBI against the Clinton LumberKings (Seattle Mariners) on Wednesday night at Bowling Green Ballpark. Unfortunately, the Hot Rods duo couldn’t provide enough offense in an 11-2 loss. The defeat evens the series up between Clinton and Bowling Green at one game each heading into the finale on Thursday night.
Wiegand’s sixth RBI of the series came in the top of the sixth inning with the Hot Rods already trailing 8-0. Chris Murrill began the inning with a triple to deep right-center field, setting the table for the heart of the order. Tyler Bortnick struck out before Wiegand hit a ground ball to the hole on the right side of the infield. Clinton second baseman Hawkins Gebbers made the play to first base to retire Wiegand, but Murrill scored from third base to break up the shutout.
That was all the offense the Hot Rods were able to generate on a night when they needed much more against Jon Hesketh. The left-hander threw six innings and allowed just two hits and one earned run. He struck out six and did not walk a batter to earn his third win of the season.
Morrison’s homer came after Clinton scored its final three runs in the top of the eighth inning. He led off the frame and took a Jorden Merry offering over the wall in right-center field for his second long ball of the season. It was Morrison’s first home run since he went deep as part of a four-hit game on May 22 at Dayton.
Hesketh was spotted an early lead as the LumberKings hit around Alexander Colome to the tune of six runs (five earned) on six hits over four innings of work. Colome allowed four home runs in his outing beginning with a lead-off blast from
Nick Franklin in the top of the first inning. He surrendered a long ball to Mario Martinez in the second and then back-to-back blasts to Brandon Bantz and Gebbers in the top of the fourth inning.
The four homers are a career-high for Colome, bumping his season total to eight in 2010. The right-hander struck out four, didn’t walk a batter but hit two during his shortest stint since he went 4.2 innings on April 18 at Lansing. His ERA went from 1.91 entering the game to a still-respectable 2.52.
After taking Colome deep four times, Clinton added two more long balls against the bullpen. Kirby Yates surrendered a two-run homer to James Jones on the top of the fifth inning. In the eighth Alex Koronis issued a two-out walk before Franklin hit his second homer over the visiting bullpen in right field.
The series is now even at 1-1 and the team’s will play the rubber game Thursday night at 7:05 PM. LHP Aaron Dott (1-1, 3.38) draws the start against Clinton RHP Taylor Stanton (1-1, 3.38). Thursday night is a Thirsty Thursday presented by All Hit WUHU 107 and Beaver 96.7 FM featuring $2 draft specials until the 7th inning. Thursday is another game to benefit Warren County Parks and Recreation. When fans purchase a $10 Box Seat ticket using the promotional code “WCPARKS” a portion of ticket proceeds will go to the rebuilding efforts for Warren County parks damaged in May flooding. The promotional code is valid at www.bghotrods.com, at the Hot Rods Ticket Office, and by phone at 270.901.2121.
You can follow the game with Tom Gauthier and Hank Fuerst beginning at 6:50 PM on 1340 AM WBGN and www.bghotrods.com.
Bowling Green Ballpark has been stingy when it comes to homers, but not last night. I saw a months worth in one game. The Clinton LumberKings don't hit for a high average but they have plenty of guys who can hit the longball.
ReplyDeleteTonights series final should be interesting, first to see if Clinton can keep knocking down the fences and second how many hit batters we will have.