Back to back homers sink Kernels, 6-5

May 23, 2007 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release

Back to back home runs in the top of the seventh inning by Chris Valaika and Juan Francisco capped a four run Dayton inning and gave the Dragons a 6-5 over the Cedar Rapids Kernels Wednesday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Valaika's home run was a three run shot off Kernels reliever Blake Holler (0-3) to tie the game at 5-5. Francisco followed with a towering opposite field shot to right to put the Dragons ahead.

The Kernels had taken a 5-2 lead heading into the seventh with two runs in the first and third innings and a solo home run by Tyler Johnson in the bottom of the fourth. Johnson's homer was his third in five games since being called up to Cedar Rapids from extended spring training.

Ryan Mount swung a hot bat in the leadoff spot, going 3 for 5 with two runs scored. Chris Pettit hit his league-leading 18th double of the season and had an RBI. Mark Trumbo and Hank Conger also added RBIs and they were both 1 for 4 on the night.

Kernels starter Jeremy Haynes gave up four hits and two unearned runs in three innings pitched. He walked none and struck out four and was on a pitch count. Kernel pitchers struck out ten Dragons tonight. Misael DeJesus (3-1) pitched 2-1/3 perfect innings and struck out three to get the win. Jose Rojas struck out four and allowed one hit over the final three innings to earn his seventh save.

The Kernels fall to 21-20 and see their three game win streak go by the wayside. Dayton improves to 30-11.

The four game set wraps up on Thursday at 6:30 pm as it will be a 100.7 The Fox Buck-A-Cup Thursday. Fans can enjoy 12 ounce cups of soda or draft beer for just a buck. Slushies will be one buck all game and bottled soda and water is two bucks. Gates open at 5:30 pm.

Midwest League Stories from May 23, 2007

• Bees Cool Loons Hot Bats - Burlington Bees
• Back to back homers sink Kernels, 6-5 - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Loons Drop Game Three of Series to Bees - Great Lakes Loons
• Atlantic 10 Championships Continue Thursday at Fifth Third Field - Dayton Dragons
• Valaika's Four RBIs Lead Dayton to Victory - Dayton Dragons
• Eight and Counting - Beloit Sky Carp
• Another Late Rally Falls Short for Cougars - Kane County Cougars
• Lugnuts Power Past Peoria - Lansing Lugnuts
• Chiefs Fall to Lansing 8-2 Wednesday Night - Peoria Chiefs
• Beloit pitchers dominate the Whitecaps - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Rattlers Have Cougars Feeling Lo - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Chiefs Ready for Second Annual Illini Night with Coach Weber - Peoria Chiefs
• Santana, Jansen Swap Roster Spots - Great Lakes Loons
• Check Out the Red Hot Snappers - Beloit Sky Carp
• Swing beat Silver Hawks under the sun - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Kernels raise over $2,700 on ALS Awareness Night - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Hopping on with Epping - Fort Wayne TinCaps
• Napolitan Headed to D.L. - West Michigan Whitecaps
• 'Caps Are Back in Town - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Loons to Visit Local Schools - Great Lakes Loons

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