LumberKings Shutout Reigning League Champions on Opening Day

CLINTON, Iowa — The Clinton LumberKings (1-0) opened their season in commanding fashion Monday night, shutting out the reigning Prospect League Champions, Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp (0-1), 7-0 at NelsonCorp Field behind a combined 10 strikeout effort from their pitching staff and a timely offensive surge in the middle innings. With the victory, the LumberKings have started three seasons 1-0, including the 2024 season, since joining the Prospect League in 2021. 

The Lumberkings, scratching across an unearned run in the 1st inning, thanks to Matthew Maize stealing home, broke the game open with a four-run 6th. Drew Terpins knocked in a run with a single, while Brayden Mulkey delivered the big blow—a two-RBI single to center—to push the lead to 5-0.

Mulkey finished with a game-high three RBIs despite going 1-for-3. Terpins went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Austin Mallee led all batters with a 3-for-4 night. James Hacket went 1-for-4 and recorded the first RBI of the season for the LumberKings. 

The LumberKings added insurance in the 8th when Brytton Clements doubled in a run and later scored on a groundout by Mulkey.

Illinois Valley (0-1) struggled offensively, scattering six singles and striking out 10 times. Leadoff man Tyler Dorsch went 0-for-4 with three left on base, while Conner Prahl and AJ Weller each had multi-hit games. The Pistol Shrimp went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left five on base.

Shrimp starter Danny Cihocki (0-1) was tagged with the loss despite not allowing an earned run over four innings. He struck out eight but got little help from his defense, which committed two errors on the night.

Right-hander Jaqson Tejada (1-0) earned the win, tossing four shutout innings while striking out six and allowing just three hits. Jake Weissenberger and Jackson Bruno followed with five more scoreless frames to seal the team's first win of the year in front of 1,692 fans.

The LumberKings travel to Springfield for a two-game series against the Lucky Horseshoes (1-0) at Robin Roberts Stadium on Wednesday and Thursday. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.