Burlington Survives Mercy Rule. Loses to Clinton

Burlington, IA - On the precipice of the ten run mercy rule, the Bees (4-10) put together a four-run rally in the bottom of the seventh to avoid an early defeat. Burlington would end up falling to the Clinton LumberKings (9-5) 12-4 June 15 at Community Field.

The Bees were already trailing 6-1 when Clinton put up a five run sixth inning to put the team up double digits.

Burlington came firing back in the bottom of the seventh with two triples, one from Carson Bittner (Phoenix College) and the other from Cooper Donlin (Hawaii-Pacific). Bittner entered the game hitless as a Bee. He finished two for four with a pair of extra base hits and runs.

Donlin tacked on two more RBIs on his triple, bringing his total to 12 on the year, which is four more than any member of the team.

Landon Akers (Bellarmine) added two RBIs, raising his season total to six. Merrick Mathews (University of Iowa) drew three walks, increasing his season tally to 12.

After the previous game saw a two pitcher and two run allowed effort from the Burlington arms, this game marked a much different outcome. The team utilized five arms and allowed 10 earned runs.

Jimmy McCarthy (Morton College) shined above the rest, going 3.1 innings out of the bullpen. He allowed only one hit with an impressive seven punch-outs, including striking out the side in the top of the seventh.

Michael Schaul (Mt. Mercy University) closed out the day for the Bees pitchers, getting the final two Clinton outs with a strikeout.

Burlington is now winless against Clinton this year. They are 0-3 in regular season games and 0-5 counting exhibitions. The team is 4-4 at home and yet to string together two wins this season.

The Bees look to snap the bad voodoo on the road at Clinton tomorrow, taking on the Lumberkings in a matinee matchup at 2 p.m. at NelsonCorp Field.