MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Chiefs Clip Kernels 5-3 in 11 Innings to Snap Streak

Published on May 13, 2015 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Peoria downed the Kernels 5-3 in 11 innings on Tuesday night, snapping the team's seven-game winning streak. Peoria's Collin Radack collected five hits in the game. The Kernels fell to 20-12 on the season while Peoria improved to 17-15. The teams continue the series on Wednesday at 12:05 p.m.

The Chiefs tied the game 3-3 in the top of the ninth inning after the Kernels led 3-2 after six innings. It was the team's first loss when leading after six innings (17-1). Peoria finished with 16 hits in the game while the Kernels collected 10 hits.

Max Murphy had three extra-base hits for the Kernels. He homered and collected two doubles, driving in two and scoring twice. Zack Larson added two hits for Cedar Rapids.

The Chiefs picked up a pair of runs in the 11th inning to take a 5-3 advantage. Oscar Mercado singled to begin the inning before advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt by Andrew Sohn. Nick Thompson brought in Mercado with a RBI single down the right field line. Radack gave Peoria an insurance run with a RBI double to left-center, scoring Thompson and giving Radack his fifth hit of the evening. In addition to the double, Radack picked up four singles.

Sam Clay (0-2) took the loss for the Kernels, allowing two runs on three hits over one inning of work in relief.

Peoria tied the game 3-3 in the top of the ninth inning. Mercado singled to start the inning before Sohn drew a walk. Luis Cruz's RBI single into right field with one out scored Mercado to tie the game.

Cam Booser was charged with a blown save for the Kernels after going 2 1/3 innings. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out six and walking two.

Tyler Bray (2-1) picked up the win for the Chiefs after tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings and striking out three. Robby Rowland earned his sixth save by collecting the final two outs of the game.

Peoria struck first with a run in the top of fourth. Mercado led off the inning with a five-pitch walk and then stole second, his second stolen base of the night, increasing his Midwest League lead to 20. Sohn then grounded out to third, advancing Mercado to third. Luiz Cruz followed with a walk, giving the Chiefs runners on the corners. Nick Thompson then brought in Mercado on an RBI fielder's choice, giving Peoria a 1-0 advantage.

The Kernels countered with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Murphy hit his second home run of the season, a two-run shot to put the Kernels in front 2-1. Nick Gordon scored on the long ball to left-center after reaching second base on an error. The home run extended Murphy's hitting streak to a season-best six games.

Peoria added their second run of the night in the top of the fifth, tying the game at 2-2. Blake Drake led off the inning with a single to left and advanced to second on a Mat Batts wild pitch. Darren Seferina followed with a walk, the fourth walk issued by Batts. Two batters later, Andrew Sohn followed with an RBI double to left-center, scoring Drake from second.

Batts recorded a no-decision in his sixth start of the year. The southpaw allowed two runs on four walks and five hits while striking out four in four-plus innings.

The Kernels jumped ahead 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning with consecutive doubles. Murphy doubled with one out, sending Peoria's starter Austin Gomber out of the game. Larson greeted reliever Jhonny Polanco with a RBI double into right-center field. The two-bagger plated Murphy as the Kernels took the lead.

C.K. Irby went two scoreless innings for the Kernels in relief, striking out three while allowing three hits. Michael Theofanopoulos tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing three this while striking out one.

Gomber went 5 1/3 innings for the Chiefs and allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits for a no-decision. He struck out eight and walked one. Jhonny Polanco pitched 1 1/3 innings, Nick Lomascolo went one inning and Kyle Grana tossed 1 1/3 innings, neither allowing a run.

Peoria was caught stealing four times on the night. The Kernels offense struck out 19 times on the night. Peoria's hitters struck out 15 times.

The Kernels are Chiefs play tomorrow afternoon at 12:05 p.m. RHP John Curtiss (2-2, 4.57) starts for the Kernels while RHP Daniel Poncedeleon (3-0, 1.23) pitches for Peoria.

It's a 104.5 KDAT Noon Game! Enjoy a regular sandwich, chips or popcorn, as well as a 16 oz. regular draft beer or 20 oz. bottled soda or water for just $8.50! It's a Free Money Wednesday, presented by Western Fraternal Life. Western Fraternal Life will give away $500 at the main gates, with $100 being the top cash prize.

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.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from May 13, 2015


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