Wells Dominates Dragons in 2-0 Triumph
July 25, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Left-handed pitcher Lachlan Wells recorded a career-high eight scoreless innings, carrying the Cedar Rapids Kernels to a 2-0 two-hit shutout Monday over the Dayton Dragons at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Wells combined with right-handed reliever Tom Hackimer for the victory in the rubber game against Dayton, which failed to advance any baserunners into scoring position during the contest.
Monday's finale started as a scoreless pitchers' duel between Wells and Dayton southpaw Jacob Constante. Wells yielded two early hits before silencing the Dragons. Constante stranded a pair of runners in the second inning and retired eight batters in a row through the fourth inning.
The Kernels (18-13, 54-46) broke through in the bottom of the fifth to grab a 2-0 lead. Cedar Rapids quickly loaded the bases with no outs for Manuel Guzman, who drove in Chris Ibarra on a sacrifice fly. Casey Scoggins followed with an RBI single that plated J.J. Fernandez.
Wells protected the lead over his final three innings of work, capping the longest start of his career by setting down 20 of the final 22 batters that he faced. He posted a season-high nine strikeouts while allowing just four baserunners Monday. Hackimer entered for the ninth inning and only gave up a walk in a scoreless frame to secure the two-hit shutout.
The winning pitcher was Wells, who improved to 3-2, while Hackimer claimed his second career save. Constante fell to 4-9 with the loss, conceding both Kernels runs within a five-inning outing. Cedar Rapids won this three-game series, 2-1, for the Kernels' third straight season series victory over the Dragons.
Also in Monday's tilt, Zander Wiel and Ibarra both extended lengthy on-base streaks. Wiel doubled in the sixth inning for an active team-high 16-game on-base streak while Ibarra drew two walks to reach safely for the 12th consecutive game.
The Kernels will be idle Tuesday before starting a seven-game road trip Wednesday at the Kane County Cougars. First pitch Wednesday is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and Kernels right-hander Dereck Rodriguez (2-11, 5.73 ERA) is expected to face Cougars right-hander Sam McWilliams (1-2, 2.89 ERA). Listen to the action with Chris Kleinhans-Schulz on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and online at www.kmryradio.com and www.kernels.com.
Cedar Rapids' next homestand starts Wednesday, August 3 and continues through Tuesday, August 9. Tickets for all Kernels home games are available at www.kernels.com, the Kernels Ticket Office and by calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The ticket office is closed on Sundays except on Kernels Sunday home dates when it will open at 11:00 a.m.
• Discuss this story on the Midwest League message board...
Midwest League Stories from July 25, 2016
- Snappers Sweep Doubleheader - Beloit Sky Carp
- Bees End Trip with Loss to Whitecaps - Burlington Bees
- Chiefs Lose Twice Monday - Peoria Chiefs
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Partners with Dragons - Dayton Dragons
- Byler, Ozuna Finish Just Shy of Cycles in 9-2 Win - Kane County Cougars
- Wells Dominates Dragons in 2-0 Triumph - Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Cougars Coast Past Lugs in Monday Matinee - Lansing Lugnuts
- Dragons Fall to Kernels 2-0 in Road Trip Finale - Dayton Dragons
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
