Chiefs Power Past Kernels to Take Series Lead

Published on May 23, 2026 under Midwest League (MWL)
Peoria Chiefs News Release

PEORIA, IL - The Chiefs rallied for a five-run third inning, eventually popping three home runs to take a 7-2 victory over Cedar Rapids on Saturday night at Dozer Park. With the win, the Chiefs pull ahead in the series three games to two, with a chance to take the series on Sunday.

The Kernels took the game's first lead for the fifth time this week on a Khadim Diaw solo homer in the second.

A five-run, five-hit third inning led to a Chiefs response. Jesús Báez started the rally with an RBI double, scoring Jose Cordoba. Jalin Flores nailed a base hit to left to bring in Tre Richardson III, and then Báez scored on a fielding error by left fielder Yassir Mercedes to make it 3-1.

Cade McGee capped the offensive onslaught with a two-run home run to left center field that brought in Flores, extending the Chiefs' lead to 5-1.

Peoria starter Leonel Sequera had a bounce back outing. After allowing 20 earned runs over his last two starts, the right-hander gave up just one run on four hits while walking one and striking out five across 4.1 innings.

After scoreless middle innings, Cedar Rapids got a run back in the top of the seventh when Rayne Doncon drove in Quinn McDaniel on an RBI single to cut the deficit to 5-2.

In the bottom of the seventh, Cameron Nickens' blasted a solo home run - the third hit of his High-A debut - to lengthen the Chiefs' lead to 6-2.

Peoria's third homer of the night was launched by Luis Pino in solo fashion to make it 7-2 Chiefs.

The Chiefs bullpen allowed just one run in 4.2 innings thanks to Rubén Menes, Sam Broderson and Christian Worley.

Peoria's third consecutive win advances the club to 19-24 this season.

The series wraps up on Sunday, with first pitch set for 6:35pm at Dozer Park - a special evening start time ahead of Memorial Day Monday. Bluey makes her second appearance at Dozer Park, while fireworks light up the night sky after the game. Kids also can attend for just $5 as part of Grand Slam Sunday. Tickets are available online at PeoriaChiefs.com.

Tune into the broadcast on PeoriaChiefs.com, MiLB.TV, or the Bally Sports Live app.

Peoria Chiefs' Cameron Nickens at bat

Midwest League Stories from May 23, 2026

• Captains Defeat Lugnuts, 9-3, Secure Series Win - Lake County Captains
• Chiefs Power Past Kernels to Take Series Lead - Peoria Chiefs
• Five-Run Third Lifts Chiefs Past Kernels, 7-2 - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Bullpen Shines in 5-3 Loss - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Wisconsin Scores Early and Late to Get By Great Lakes - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Timber Rattlers Overwhelm Loons, 11-4 - Great Lakes Loons
• Cubs Hang on to Early Lead in 5-3 Win at West Michigan - South Bend Cubs
• Whitecaps Roster Update 5-21-26 - West Michigan Whitecaps
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• Despite Hit Disparity, Lugnuts Fall to Captains, 9-3 - Lansing Lugnuts
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• McCoy Shines in Dragons Debut as Dayton Notches Shutout Win in Fort Wayne, 5-0 - Dayton Dragons
• TinCaps Game Information: May 23 vs. Dayton Dragons (Reds Affiliate) - Fort Wayne TinCaps
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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