Three-run jack leads Lumberkings past Loons

Mitch Moreland clubbed a three-run home run in the eighth inning to erase a two-run deficit and lead the Clinton LumberKings to a 4-3 win over the Great Lakes Loons.

Moreland’s blast came in the eighth off reliever Garrett White (1-1). White hurled two scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh, but surrendered singles to Matt Lawson and Tim Smith before surrendering the blast on his first pitch to Moreland.

Given Kutz started for the Loons and pitched five innings, allowing a run and three hits, striking out five.

The Loons took a 2-0 lead in the second on an RBI double by Brandon Taylor and a run-producing single by Francisco Lizarraga. Both runs were unearned following an error by shortstop Davis Stoneburner.

Following an RBI single by Jonathan Greene in the fourth, the Loons responded in the bottom half of the fourth with a single by Jovanny Rosario to give the Loons’ a 3-1 lead.

The Loons (12-20 second half, 42-59 overall) continue their series against Clinton Thursday night beginning at 7:05pm. Left-hander Thomas Melgarejo, who has allowed just two earned runs in his last three starts will start for the Loons. Lefty Michael Kirkman is scheduled to start for the LumberKings.