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Cedar Rapids Kernels

Early Runs Hold up for Win at Peoria

May 22, 2015 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


PEORIA - Ill. - The Kernels scored all runs in the first inning and held on to edge the Peoria Chiefs 3-2 at Dozer Park on Thursday. Both teams recorded just three hits each. The victory gave the Kernels a split in the four-game series. Cedar Rapids now heads to Beloit for a four-game series as they continue the eight-day road trip.

Felix Jorge (2-2) went six innings on the hill for the Kernels and allowed two runs on three hits for the victory. He allowed two walks while striking out two. Jorge has pitched at least six innings in six of his seven starts this season and gone at least five innings in all starts.

Trevor Hildenberger increased his scoreless inning streak to a team-best 19 innings after going two scoreless and hitless innings for his first hold. Hildenberger struck out three and walked none. Cam Booser pitched a scoreless and hitless ninth inning, striking out one and walking one, to earn his fourth save, matching Hildenberger for the team-lead.

The game ended when Kernels catcher Brett Doe nailed pinch-runner Oscar Mercado at second base as the league's top base stealer attempted to swipe second base with two outs in the ninth inning.

The Kernels (25-16) took advantage of three walks in the first inning and sent eight men to the plate to take an early 3-0 lead. Tanner English, Blake Schmit and Max Murphy all walked to load the bases, and all three came around to score. English scored on Zack Larson's RBI sacrifice fly to right field. T.J. White then went the opposite way for a two-run triple. Right fielder Collin Radack dove for White's liner but was unable to come up with the baseball, allowing it to roll to the warning track. White's third triple of the season scored both Schmit and Murphy and gave the Kernels a three-run lead.

Alex DeLeon blasted the first pitch he saw over the wall in left field for Peoria's first hit in the bottom of the second inning. DeLeon's second long ball of the season hit above the grass berm in left and cut the Kernels lead to 3-1.

Peoria (21-20) trimmed the Kernels lead to 3-2 in the fourth inning. Danny Diekroeger began the frame with a double to left field. He scored after a pair of groundouts to second base, with Steve Bean's RBI grounder pushing Diekroeger across.

Matt Pearce (3-3) allowed three runs and two hits over 5 1/3 innings but took the loss. He walked four, including three in the first inning, and struck out one. Pearce settled in after the first inning and retired 12 batters at one point before walking Larson, allowing the Kernels right fielder increased his on-base streak to seven games.

Kender Villegas pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief while Jhonny Polanco added 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the Chiefs.

The Kernels now head to Beloit and take on the Snappers, the Midwest League affiliate of the Athletics, on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. RHP Jared Wilson (4-0, 2.43) gets the start for the Kernels while RHP Brett Graves (3-0, 5.36) makes the start for Beloit. The four-game series runs through Monday afternoon. Cedar Rapids is 6-0 against Beloit, including 3-0 at Pohlman Field.

The Kernels next home game is Tuesday, May 26 at 6:35 p.m. Cedar Rapids hosts the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. It's another Twins Tuesday, presented by Great Clips. Get an online coupon from the Kernels Facebook page or email newsletter for a 2-for-1 ticket offer. The Kernels will wear special jerseys that will be sold via a silent auction at the end of the season. One lucky fan will win a pair of Minnesota Twins tickets.

Tickets are available online at www.kernels.com. You can also visit the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium or online at www.kernels.com.

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