Unearned run dooms Kernels in 10th

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Kernels scored three runs in the ninth to extend the game into extra innings, but Clinton edged the Kernels 5-4 to sweep the three game series.

The Kernels trailed 4-1 going into the bottom of the ninth inning. With the bases loaded Brian Hernandez drove home Justin Bass and Jeremy Cruz to cut the LumberKings lead to 4-3. With two outs and Ricky Alvarez at third, Jean Almanzar struck out on a wild pitch by Clinton reliever Jonathan Arias. The wild pitch allowed Almanzar to reach first base and Alvarez to score, tying the game 4-4.

In the tenth inning the LumberKings scored an unearned run to take a 5-4 lead. Julio Morban walked with one out and went to second base on a fielding error by Kernels third baseman Jarrod Parks. With Brad Miller at first base, Kernels reliever Dakota Robinson was charged with a throwing error on a pickoff attempt. Morban was able to reach third base on the play, and he scored the go ahead run on a RBI sacrifice fly to right field by John Hicks.

Robinson (10-3) took the loss as he went two innings and allowed one unearned run on no hits while striking out one and walking one. Jessie Nava pitched a scoreless bottom of the tenth inning for Clinton, picking up his third save. Jonathan Arias (5-3) was the winning pitcher. He allowed three runs in one inning of work.

The Kernels took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Justin Bass walked with one out and later scored on a RBI sacrifice fly by Ricky Alvarez. Clinton evened the score 1-1 in the third inning. Robbie Anston doubled with one out and came home on a RBI double by Julio Morban.

The LumberKings added single runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings. Anthony Phillips walked and scored on a RBI fielder's choice by Robbie Anston in the fifth inning. Kevin Rivers singled home Miller in the sixth inning. Morban's RBI single in the seventh inning plated Anston.

Brian Diemer started for the Kernels and went 5.1 innings. He allowed two runs on two hits while striking out four and walking one. Beau Brooks went one inning and allowed one run. Tyler Kehrer allowed one unearned run in one inning. Erik Gregersen pitched a scoreless inning Carter Capps started for the LumberKings and went five innings. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out seven and walking one.