Published: April 17, 2008 11:09 am            

Feliz helps L-Kings earn win over QC

CLINTON — Clinton LumberKings pitcher Neftali Feliz recovered well from his previous start.

His last time out Feliz didn’t make it out of the first inning against West Michigan. But, against the Quad-Cities River Bandits Wednesday night Feliz went five innings, struck out seven and only gave up two runs in picking up his second win of the season, beating the Bandits 4-2.

“Tonight his pitches varied from 89-99 (mph),” L-Kings skipper Mike Micucci said. “He threw the ball a lot better tonight. I think what made him impressive tonight was he used both pitches, and sometimes three and could throw them for strikes. He needs to learn how to throw those pitches.”

The Bandits would jump out to a quick one-run lead as Pete Kozma ripped a one-out double to left. Dave Carpenter then singled Kozma home.

In the bottom frame the LumberKings open things up with an Engel Beltre single. Later Beltre moved to second on a fielder’s choice.

Ian Gac hit his third double of the season down the left-field line, scoring Beltre. Tim Smith walked, setting the table for Mitch Moreland who doubled home Gac and Smith, making it 3-1.

In the middle of the seventh Bandits skipper Steve Dilliard got ejected arguing a stolen-base attempt.

Fabio Castillo would slam the door shut on the Bandits as he went three innings, striking out seven and allowing one hit.

“Fabio did a good job, and to get Lueke back in a game to build his confidence back was good,” Micucci said.

Lueke came on in the ninth to earn his second save of the young season.

Unlike the night before neither team committed an error. Tuesday the teams combined for nine errors.

“We have such a young team. We’re going to have games like we did (Tuesday),” Micucci said. “But, they’re such a young team they can bounce right back and look like a different team.”

The LumberKings hit the road today and are headed to Dayton to take on the Dragons for a six-game road trip.

The LumberKings come home April 25 to take on the Lansing Lugnuts.

        

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