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Cedar Rapids Kernels

KERNELS RECAP (): Offense Explodes in 12-4 Kernels Victory

May 5, 2017 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - A six-run rally in the second inning and a five-run spurt during the fifth inning Friday at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium highlighted a 12-4 Cedar Rapids Kernels triumph over the Fort Wayne TinCaps. The Kernels recorded a season-best 12 runs and a single-inning-high six runs within the second to win the series opener.

All nine Kernels hitters reached safely within Friday's victory. Eight of the nine batters scored at least one run, and a different group of eight Kernels tallied at least one hit. Also, seven of the hitters drove in at least one run.

The Kernels (16-11) rallied from an early 2-0 deficit by scoring six runs in the bottom of the second. Caleb Hamilton was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in the first run. Brandon Lopez and Christian Cavaness followed with bases-loaded walks to put Cedar Rapids in front. Jermaine Palacios drove in another run with a force out, and Lewin Diaz tallied a two-run triple to send the Kernels to a 6-2 lead.

Fort Wayne (10-18) answered with a run in the top of the fifth before Cedar Rapids posted another big inning during the home half of the frame. Travis Blankenhorn opened the scoring for the Kernels with a sacrifice fly. Three batters later, an RBI infield single from Cavaness increased the lead. Palacios batted next and cleared the bases on a three-run double for an 11-3 lead.

Both teams also tallied late runs, leaving Cedar Rapids with its winning margin of 12-4. Rod Boykin scored for the TinCaps in the seventh inning on a Fernando Tatis Jr. single coupled with an error. In the eighth, Cedar Rapids got an RBI groundout by Mitchell Kranson that brought in Palacios.

Sean Poppen (1-0) picked up his first win of the season. He recorded his fifth consecutive quality start, giving up two earned runs out of four total runs allowed over 6.1 innings pitched. Hector Lujan followed with 2.2 scoreless frames of relief in a non-save situation to cap Cedar Rapids' victory.

Austin Smith (1-2) was tagged for six earned runs in just 1.2 innings pitched in a losing decision. G.K. Young led the TinCaps' offense by going 2-for-4 and driving in Fort Wayne's first three runs Friday.

Game two of this three-game series is slated for 6:35 p.m. Saturday. Kernels southpaw Domenick Carlini IV (0-1, 6.97) will pitch against TinCaps left-hander Will Headean (0-1, 3.63). Catch the coverage with Morgan Hawk on KCRG 9.2, 1450 KMRY AM, and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. for Kentucky Derby Night so that fans can come to the ballpark and watch the Kentucky Derby on the Kernels' LED board. While supplies last, fans can get a free Kentucky Derby koozie with a drink purchase at the drink kiosks on the concourse. Plus, Cedar Rapids' first postgame fireworks display will follow Saturday's contest.

Fans can purchase tickets for all Kernels home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.

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