Friday Notes (8/19)

After a difficult loss on Wednesday, the LumberKings rebounded for a 7-5 win over the Quad Cities River Bandits last night at Alliant Energy Field.  Kevin Rivers erased a 4-3 fifth-inning deficit with his 10th home run of the year, a three-run shot to right-center off Bandits’ right-hander Zach Russell (listen:  Rivers 3-R HR (#10) 8.18.11).  Right-hander Stephen Kohlscheen wasn’t untouchable, but exited with a 6-4 lead and the bullpen combination of Ben Versnik, Ryan Kiel and Jonathan Arias managed to hold a slim lead.  Kiel left with two on in the ninth and Arias walked two to force in a run, but stranded the bases loaded to end the game as he struck out Nick Longmire, induced Oscar Taveras into a pop-up and fanned Jonathan Rodriguez (listen:  Arias Strikes Out Rodriguez for 7th Save 8.19.11).

The Wild Card lead is back to 4.0 games as Beloit lost 2-0 at Kane County last night.  The Kings’ offense received an added boost today as Mariners’ second-round pick, shortstop Brad Miller (pictured) was added to the roster.  Miller (wearing #9) took a brief BP today, but likely won’t be in action tonight after flying in from his Seattle meet-and-greet.  We’ll probably see his pro debut in the next few days.

Tonight’s Game Notes:  8.19.11 kingsnotes

Starting Lineup:  8.19.11 lineup

Ace lefty Anthony Fernandez (5-3, 2.84) gets the rubber match call tonight, and he’ll look to continue a hot trend.  He’s 4-1 with a 1.96 ERA and nine quality starts in his last 11 outings.  Fernandez faces off against the ace of the Bandits, right-hander Boone Whiting (3-1, 2.02).  First pitch is at 6:30 PM, listen online at 1390kcln.com.

-DL