LumberKings strike down Loons

The Clinton LumberKings struck for 12 hits and 10 runs en route to a 10-3 victory over the Great Lakes Loons on a chilly Monday night at Alliant Energy Stadium.

Clinton took a 2-0 lead on a two-run home run by Jonathan Greene in the second, but the Loons battled back. Brian Mathews doubled in Jovanny Rosario. Andrew Lambo followed with a run-scoring ground out to plate Joe Becker to tie the game at two.

But the LumberKings (16-5) exploded for four runs in the third, sending nine batters to the plate, to take a lead they’d never relinquish.

Matt Lawson also homered for the LumberKings. Cristian Santana drove in a game-high three runs. Renny Osuna went 3-for-4, and Tim Smith added two doubles.

Kyle Smit (0-2) started for the Loons and surrendered nine hits and seven runs, all earned. Jon Dutton pitched the final 3 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs, all earned. For Clinton, Derek Holland started and didn’t last the required five innings to qualify for the win. Ryan Turner (2-1) hurled three scoreless innings to pick up the win.

The Loons managed 10 hits against the LumberKings, including six doubles. Mathews had two doubles and Joe Becker went 3-for-5.

“We hit better today, so that’s a start,” said Loons manager Juan Bustabad. “If we can do that consistently, we’ll get back on track. But tonight our pitching wasn’t there.

“Clinton is an aggressive offensive team,” he said. “We have to make better adjustments on the first pitch.”

The Loons (11-12) have lost four straight to drop to under .500 for the first time since following the April 14 game in Cedar Rapids. Clinton is now in first place alone in the Midwest League West, a half game ahead of Kane County.

The Loons/LumberKings series continues Tuesday from Clinton beginning at 8 p.m.