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MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Bean's Blast Beats Kernels

May 19, 2015 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


PEORIA - Ill. - Steve Bean's grand slam in the sixth inning propelled the Peoria Chiefs to a 7-5 win over the Kernels on Tuesday. Trey Vavra hit a three-run, inside-the-park home run for the Kernels in the third inning.

The Kernels (23-16) led 4-2 going into the sixth inning, but Bean's grand slam in the sixth put Peoria in front 6-4. Bean's line drive shot got over the wall in right field. It was the second home run of the season for the catcher. Thompson singled, Ringo walked and Radack singled to load the bases with no outs for Bean.

Vavra's three-run, inside-the-park home run in the third gave the Kernels a 4-2 lead. With two runners on and Peoria leading 2-1, Vavra's line drive went into the gap in right-center and became lodged in the wall. The two outfielders put their hands up, but mistakenly went into the wall to fish out the baseball. By the time the ball was thrown back in, Vavra and the two runners had wheeled all the way around the bases. Pat Kelly and Nick Gordon both scored on the play. Kelly began the inning with a single to right while Gordon reached base on a fielder's choice.

Vavra now has six home runs on the season in 36 games for the Kernels. Four of his home runs have been three-run blasts, and the other two have been solo homers.

The Kernels took the first lead by scoring a run in the second inning. Zack Larson began the inning by doubling down the right field line. He moved to third base on T.J. White's groundout and scored on a passed ball by Peoria catcher Steve Bean.

Peoria (21-18) quickly moved in front with a two-run bottom of the second inning, taking a 2-1 advantage. Nick Thompson was hit by a pitch, and Justin Ringo doubled down the right field line to begin the inning. Thompson scored on Collin Radack's RBI groundout while Ringo came home on Blake Drake's RBI sacrifice fly.

After Bean's grand slam, a two-out throwing error by Peoria shortstop Oscar Mercado allowed the Kernels to inch closer in the seventh inning. With Kelly at second base, Mercado's throw to first base on a Gordon's grounder was low. It allowed Gordon to reach and Kelly to score, cutting Peoria's lead to 6-5. Kelly singled earlier in the inning and stole second base to get into scoring position.

Peoria added an insurance run in the eighth inning, making the score 7-5. Radack tripled to center field and soon scored on a wild pitch by Michael Theofanopoulos.

John Curtiss (2-3) took the loss for the Kernels after allowing six runs on six hits in six innings of work. He struck out four and walked two. Daniel Poncedeleon (4-0) secured the win for the Chiefs, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings. Robby Rowland earned his eighth save, tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings.

Yorman Landa pitched a perfect seventh inning with one strikeout in his first outing for the Kernels in nearly a year after a shoulder injury. Michael Theofanopoulos allowed one run in one innings.

The series at Peoria resumes on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Two southpaws take the hill as Stephen Gonsalves (3-1, 1.41) squares off against Peoria's Dewin Perez (0-1, 11.37)

The Kernels next home game is Tuesday, May 26 at 6:35 p.m. They host 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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Midwest League Stories from May 19, 2015


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