Chiefs Lose Jokisch's Gem as Kernels Avoid Sweep
Published on July 11, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs News Release
Cedar Rapids, IA - The Peoria Chiefs got seven shutout innings from starting pitcher Eric Jokisch but could not hold a 1-0 eighth inning lead and lost to the Cedar Rapids Kernels 2-1 in 10 innings on Monday afternoon. The loss prevented the Chiefs (7-11, 40-48) from sweeping the Kernels but Peoria still earned their first winning road trip of the season
Eric Jokisch and P.J. Jang dueled through seven scoreless innings in a warm and humid day at Perfect Game Field. Cedar Rapids had the first chance to score with a leadoff double by Ricky Alvarez and a single by Justin Bass in the second inning. But the Chiefs got a double play on a strikeout and caught stealing and Brandon Decker grounded out to end the frame. The Kernels got just one more baserunner until the seventh inning against Jokisch.
Peoria had singles against Jang in the first, fourth and fifth but never moved the runner past first base. Ryan Cuneo walked in the sixth and Richard Jones singled but Jang retired Anthony Giansanti on a grounder to third to end the Chiefs best threat of the day.
Arismendy Alcantara led off the eighth with a bunt single against Jang and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Rubi Silva. Alcantara moved to third on a passed ball and scored on a single by Elliot Soto for a 1-0 Chiefs lead.
Cedar Rapids came right back against reliever Pete Levitt in the bottom of the eighth. David Harris led off with a single, moved to second on a passed ball and went to third on a groundout. Marcus Nidiffer tied the game with a sacrifice fly to center for the Chiefs' 13th blown save of the season.
With one out in the bottom of the 10th, Bass singled to left off P.J. Francescon and Harris drew a walk. With two down Nidiffer lined a single into the left-field corner to easily score Bass with the game-winning run.
Jokisch tied his season and career high with seven shutout innings. He did not issue a walk and allowed three hits while striking out five. Levitt allowed one unearned run on two hits while striking out three in two innings of work. Francescon (0-1) allowed one run on two hits and a walk in 2/3 of an inning.
Casey's General Store Player of the Game - Eric Jokisch (LHP) - Jokisch gave up back-to-back hits in the second and then retired 16 straight while catching two Kernels on the basepaths. He has gone seven innings in two starts since June 16 and at least six innings in four of his five starts this season.
Notes: Jones and Cuneo both have seven-game hitting streaksNine of the Chiefs' 13 blown saves have been on the road and three have been in Cedar RapidsJokisch has left with a lead only to see the bullpen blow the save in each of his last two startsGreg Rohan was a late scratch to the lineup after having a tweak from Sunday's game while Pierre LePage missed his fifth straight game with a back injuryThe Chiefs did not have the leadoff batter on until Alcantara's bunt in the eighth inningOn a dropped third strike in the third inning, Eric Jokisch was charged with his first wild pitch in 81 innings this season as Marcus Nidiffer beat the throw to first baseJokisch picked Jean Almanzar off first base for his team-leading fourth pickoff of the seasonJokisch tied his season and career-high in innings pitched from June 16He has not allowed a run in 13 1/3 innings and has not issued a walk to any of the last 46 batters facedJokisch has four quality starts in five starts this seasonThe Chiefs did not issue a walk until the 10th inning and in the series Chiefs pitchers walked four Kernels and struck out 20Peoria is 13-11 in day games this season and 3-6 in extra-inning gamesThe Chiefs are 5-6 against Cedar Rapids this season, 3-4 in IowaFive of the Kernels six wins against the Chiefs this season have come in the final at-bat with two walk off wins at Perfect Game FieldThe Kernels come to Peoria August 6-9 while the Chiefs return to Cedar Rapids August 20-23 The entire Midwest League is off on Tuesday for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and the Chiefs start a six-game homestand Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. against the Lake County Captains.
Midwest League Stories from July 11, 2011
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- TinCaps Thump Loons, 8-1 - Fort Wayne TinCaps
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- Guevara Stays Hot In West Michigan - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- Captains Rally Back for 6-4 Win - Lake County Captains
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- Timber Rattlers Invite Fans to Strike out Cancer Day on July 17 - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
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- Chiefs Lose Jokisch's Gem as Kernels Avoid Sweep - Peoria Chiefs
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