Sunday Notes (7/24)

The LumberKings and Whitecaps dueled to a 1-1 tie over the first eight and a half innings at Fifth Third Ballpark last night, and it was the home team that earned the victory in the bottom of the ninth as Hernan Perez led off with a walk against left-hander Ryan Kiel (L, 0-1), took second on a sacrifice bunt by Ryan Hamme and scored on a walk-off single to right by James Robbins.  The last-inning loss marrred what had been a tremendous pitching performance by the Kings, specifically left-hander Anthony Fernandez.  Fernandez limited the ‘Caps to a run on three hits over 7.2 innings and struck out six, but received only one run of support on a game-tying solo home run by Anthony Phillips (listen:  Phillips Solo HR (#3) 7.23.11).

Both clubs get set for game two action today at 12:00 PM CT as right-hander Taijuan Walker (4-4, 2.84) takes the mound for the Kings against Whitecaps’ right-hander Victor Larez (0-1, 13.50).  Walker is 2-0 with a 2.42 ERA, 30 strikeouts and an astounding .151 opponent average in his four July starts.  Clinton will be without first-baseman Tim Morris, who was promoted today to high-A High Desert.  Outfielder Julio Morban has returned from the disabled list to fill the open roster spot.

Today’s Game Notes:  7.24.11 kingsnotes

As always, tune in to the broadcast on 1390KCLN.com, beginning with the pregame show at 11:45 AM.

-DL