MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Alvarez walk-off HR gives Kernels 6-5 win over Peoria

Published on May 28, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


Cedar Rapids, IA - The Kernels scored all six runs with two outs, and Ricky Alvarez homered in walk-off fashion to give the Kernels a 6-5 victory over the Peoria Chiefs on Saturday night at Perfect Game Field. Alvarez's blast exited the stadium in left field and went towards 8th avenue, sending the crowd of 4,168 fans home happy. The blast came with two outs against Chiefs reliever Casey Harman.

The Kernels offense finished with 13 hits, came back from deficits of 4-0 and 5-2, and scored all runs with two outs. The Chiefs struck first in the 1st inning. Matt Szczur led off the game against Kernels starter Brian Diemer with a single. He later scored on a RBI single by Greg Rohan, giving Peoria a 1-0 lead.

Peoria extended the lead to 4-0 with four straight singles in the 3rd inning. Szczur and Elliot Soto singled to put runners at 1st and 3rd. Rohan singled to score Szczur, making the score 2-0. A fielding error by Kernels left fielder Dan Eichelberger allowed Soto to reach 3rd base and sent Rohan to 2nd base. Richard Jones then hit the fourth straight single, scoring Soto and extending the lead to 3-0. Rohan then scored on a RBI groundout by Ryan Cuneo, making the score 4-0.

The Kernels cut into the lead with two runs in the 3rd inning. Marcus Nidiffer's two out single plated Rolando Gomez and David Harris, cutting Peoria's lead to 4-2. Dallas Beeler started for Peoria and went four innings. He allowed two runs on six hits while striking out five and walking one.

The Chiefs added a run in the 6th inning. Szczur doubled for his fourth hit of the game, scoring Arismendy Alcantara and giving Peoria a 5-2 lead. Diemer went six innings for the Kernels and allowed five runs (four earned) on 11 hits. He struck out two and walked none.

The Kernels tied the game with three runs in the 6th inning off of Peoria reliever Yohan Gonzalez. With two outs, Jerod Yakubik doubled. Wes Hatton scored Yakubik with a RBI single, cutting the Peoria lead to 5-3. With Hatton on at first base, Dan Eichelberger smacked a two run home run, tying the game 5-5. Gonzalez went two innings and allowed three runs on three hits. He struck out none and walked one. Larry Suarez pitched two innings for Peoria in relief, allowing no runs on three hits while striking out three.

Kernels reliever Tyler Kehrer pitched scoreless 7th and 8th innings, striking out three and allowing no hits. Donn Roach (4-1) picked up the win with a scoreless 9th inning. He struck out two and allowed no hits. Casey Harman (0-1) took the loss, as he pitched 0.2 inning and allowed the Ricky Alvarez walk-off home run.

The Kernels continue the four game series with Peoria on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. It's our first Faith Day of the season. Gates will open at 1:00 p.m. with a special presentation on the field featuring former Iowa offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde. It's also 104.5 KDAT Sunday Family Day. Fans can play Travel Advisors Baseball Vacation Bingo during the game, enjoy Papa Balloon, face painters Funny Face Designs by Lori and storybook princess Sleeping Beauty, presented by Glass Slipper Entertainment on the concourse during the game. Fans can also run the bases and play catch in the outfield after the game, thanks to Wickwire Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

Morgan Hawk brings you the action on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM. Fans may also listen online at www.kmryradio.com. Tickets are available online at www.kernels.com or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

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Midwest League Stories from May 28, 2011


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