Clippers Come Up Short On Sunday Series Finale

Jonathan Timm

Lima, OH- A well fought battle didn’t quite get the Muskegon Clippers (0-3) over the finish line in a 6-5 loss to the Lima Locos (3-0) on Sunday, June 8th at Simmons Field. 

The Clippers fall to an 0-3 record while the Locos remain one of two remaining undefeated teams in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.Compared to the first two matchups in the series, the Clippers showed numerous signs of improvement from all areas on the field.

Ashten Wong had a busy day around the base paths and played a part in each run scoring sequence. Wong had three of the five Clipper runs. Among them was his two out three-run home run to give Muskegon a temporary 5-4 lead in the sixth inning. He would hustle to score on an error in the first and a wild pitch in the third.

Other notable plate performances came from Nolan Zajac’s two hit night. Additional hits included a single each from players Brayden Graves, Jack Backus and Luke Noack. 

On the mound it was Connor Kelly who got the start for Muskegon going 3.1 innings and allowed three hits and as many earned runs through 17 batters faced with one strikeout. Aidan Pearson was first out of the bullpen and went 2.2 innings while allowing four hits, one earned run and a walk while striking out one Loco. 

After loading the bases upon entering in the 7th, Alex Hardacre set the table by popping out and striking out a Loco. Trevor Raade would punch out the final batter of the inning to strand the bases loaded. 

A lead off 8th go-ahead home run from Reese Borho made it 6-5 Lima. Raade would go on to take the loss on the box score and Lima’s Anthony Lariz would be the winner on the mound.

The Clippers had one last chance in the 9th inning after Jack Backus reached on a fielder's choice to make it one on with two outs. Aidan Robinson pinch ran for Backus and advanced to third base after a wild pickoff attempt. He would be stranded 90 feet away from tying the game after the final out was recorded.

Baseball returns to Marsh Field on Tuesday, June 10 with a 6:35 first pitch. The other 3-0 team, Michigan Monarchs will be the Clippers next opponent at home tomorrow, and on the road Wednesday and Thursday.