Tonight’s Interview: Chris Mehring

Another game, another close loss last night as the LumberKings fell 4-1 in the Quad Cities.  For the third-straight night, the Kings had a chance in the ninth with the tying run at the plate.  Mickey Wiswall homered for the first time this season with two outs in the inning and singles by Matt Browning and Kalian Sams set the stage for Steven Baron.  Baron worked the count and was able to check up on a two-strike slider in the dirt once, but the next time he attempted to check on Boone Whiting’s slider, he was rung up for strike three by home plate umpire Mike Dorantes.

Highlights from last night:

• Maurer Strikes Out Rodriguez 5.12.11
• Sams Running Catch 5.12.11
• Wiswall Solo HR (#1) 5.12.11

The LumberKings open a three-game home series tonight against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.  Back on April 29 and 30, the Kings took two-straight games over the Rattlers and won their first (and only) road series of the season, two games to one.  Since then, Clinton is 2-10 while Wisconsin is 9-3.

Matt Erickson’s Rattlers have won five-straight games.  In the first two games of this series, Wisconsin will start right-hander Tyler Thornburg (2-0, 1.80), one of the Midwest League’s best in the early going of 2011 and Milwaukee Brewers’ left-hander Zach Braddock who is completing a rehab stint.  Given all of the positives for the Rattlers, I decided to interview their longtime radio voice, Chris Mehring.  We cover their recent winning trend, the fantastic starts of Thornburg and Austin Ross, Braddock’s start tomorrow, Erickson’s first year at the helm and more.

Listen Here:  Chris Mehring Interview 5.13.11

Tonight’s Game Notes:  5.13.11 kingsnotes

Starting Lineups:

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (16-15):  Nick Shaw/2B, Greg Hopkins/3B, Cody Hawn/1B, Mike Walker/DH, Franklin Romero/RF, Robbie Garvey/LF, Reggie Keen/CF, Tyler Roberts/C, Yadiel Rivera/SS, Tyler Thornburg/RHP

LumberKings (9-26):  Robbie Anston/CF, Carlos Ramirez/2B, Tim Morris/DH, Stefen Romero/3B, Mickey Wiswall/1B, Kalian Sams/LF, Jabari Blash/RF, Steven Baron/C, Jake Schlander/SS, James Paxton/LHP

First pitch for Clinton Community College Night is scheduled for 6:30 PM, listen online at 1390kcln.com.

-DL