Gem by Gonsalves Leads Kernels to Sweep
April 23, 2015 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. - Stephen Gonsalves allowed just one hit and struck out 11 in seven innings on Thursday afternoon as the Kernels completed the three-game sweep with a 3-0 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The lone hit was a bunt single in in the fourth inning and was the only hit for the home team on the day as Trevor Hildenberger tossed two perfect innings for his first save. The Kernels have won four games in a row and begin a home series v. Kane County on Friday at 6:35 p.m.
Gonsalves (2-0) has now struck out at least nine in all three of his starts, totaling 30 strikeouts and 11 hits-allowed in 20 innings this season. Wisconsin had three base runners on Thursday. Gonsalves retired the first 10 hitters before Brandon Diaz reached with a bunt single that rolled up the first base line in the fourth inning. Gonsalves then hit Dustin DeMuth with a pitch. Following the hit batter, Gonsalves retired the next 10 Timber Rattlers before walking Elvis Rubio in the seventh inning. That was the final Wisconsin hitter to reach base.
All in all, the southpaw went seven scoreless innings and allowed one hit while striking out 11, walking one and hitting one batter. Twice in the game, Gonsalves struck out four batters in a row.
Hildenberger recorded two strikeouts in his two perfect innings out of the bullpen as the duo combined for 13 strikeouts and one walk.
The game was scoreless through five innings until the Kernels took a 2-0 lead in the sixth. Jonatan Hinojosa and Zack Granite began the frame with consecutive singles, and Zack Larson's walk loaded the bases. Max Murphy's RBI sacrifice fly to right field brought in Hinojosa for the game's first run and sent Granite to third. Granite scored on Trey Vavra's strikeout to make the score 2-0. The dropped third strike forced catcher Carlos Leal to throw to first base. During the throw, Granite scampered home to put the Kernels up by a pair.
Cedar Rapids (11-4) added another run in the eighth inning, extending their lead to 3-0. Granite and Larson began the inning with base on balls. Granite scored on a RBI single by Vavra. Vavra finished the three-game series with seven runs batted in, going 8-for-13.
Luis Ortega (0-2) suffered the loss for Wisconsin (3-12). The left-hander went 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on four hits while striking out five and walking two. Josh Uhen tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings while Milton Gomez allowed one run over two innings in relief.
The Kernels return home on Friday, April 24 at 6:35 p.m. to take on the Kane County Cougars, the Midwest League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. It's a 98.1 KHAK Friday Mug Club. Buy a 16 oz. souvenir mug filled with your favorite regular draft beer or soda for just $6.00 and get refills for just $3.00. Bring the mug back every Friday home game for $3.00 refills. Also, the first 500 fans through the gates receive a free Kernels 2015 Team Photo, thanks to Wells Fargo and Copyworks.
RHP Michael Cederoth (0-1, 4.50) is scheduled to start for the Kernels while RHP Brent Jones (0-2, 5.60) is scheduled to take the hill for the Cougars.
Tickets are available at www.kernels.com. You can also visit the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium or call 319-896-7560.
Morgan Hawk brings you the action of all Kernels games live on KMRY Radio (93.1 FM/1450 AM) and online at www.kernels.com.
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