MWL1 Peoria Chiefs

Chiefs Snap Losing Streak, Beat Kernels 5-2

Published on August 23, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs News Release


Peoria, IL -The Peoria Chiefs snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the visiting Cedar Rapids Kernels on Saturday night at O'Brien Field in front of a record-breaking crowd of 6,597. The crowd helped push the Chiefs attendance this season to a new franchise record of 263,770breaking the previous mark of 259,784 set last season.

The Chiefs picked up an early lead against Kernels starter Michael Davitt in the first inning. Cliff Andersen picked up a one-out single and promptly moved into scoring position by stealing second base. Brandon Guyer delivered a RBI base hit to score Andersen and give the Chiefs a 1-0 lead.

Peoria could not keep the lead for long as the Kernels scored against Chiefs starter Josh Whitlock. Julio Perez doubled off the wall in right-center field and moved to third on a ground out by Hector Estrella. Gabe Jacobo drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to center field to score Perez and tie the game 1-1.

The Chiefs quickly regained the lead in their half of the second inning. Luis Bautista hit a solo home run over the batter's eye in straight away center field to put the Chiefs back on top 2-1. The homer was the 13th of the season for Bautista, all coming since June 15.

Peoria tacked on a pair of runs in the fourth inning against Davitt. Bautista singled to left field with one out and stole second base as Rebel Ridling struck out. Dylan Johnston drove in his 43rd run of the season with a two-out base hit to left field to score Bautista and make it a 3-1 Chiefs lead. Elvis Lara picked up the second straight two-out RBI hit with a single to center to score Johnston and extend the lead to 4-1.

The Chiefs added to their lead in the seventh inning against Davitt. Johnston doubled into the right field corner and moved to third when Lara grounded out. Luis Flores lined an opposite field two-out base hit into right field to score Johnston and increase the Chiefs lead to 5-1.

Cedar Rapids finally got to Chiefs reliever Jose Pina in the ninth inning after he held the Kernels scoreless over his first three frames. Clay Fuller singled with two outs and Perez followed with his second double of the night to score Fuller from first base to cut into the Chiefs lead at 5-2. Pina got Estrella to pop out into foul territory behind the plate on the warning track to end the ballgame.

Whitlock worked a career-high five innings in his most impressive outing in a Chiefs uniform. The right-hander allowed a run on two hits while striking out two as he earned his first professional victory. Pina pitched the final four innings as he earned his first career save. He allowed one run on four hits while striking out two and walking one.

Player of the Game - Josh Whitlock (P) - The 26th round draft selection this past June earned his first professional victory by throwing a career best five innings. He allowed just one run on two hits while striking out one to snap a two-game losing streak.

Playoff Watch: With nine games remaining in the regular season, the Chiefs are in a five-team battle for two second half Western Division playoff spots. With the win, the Chiefs move to within six games of Cedar Rapids in the Wild Card race. The Chiefs play the Kernels one more time in the regular season tomorrow afternoon. Peoria then plays four games with Clinton and four with Kane County the two teams who clinched playoff spots in the first half.

Notes...The crowd of 6,597 was the fourth best crowd at O'Brien Field of the year and 11th over 6,000... Peoria is now 11-2 on fireworks nights...The win gives the Chiefs the season series over the Kernels 6-4 with one game remaining...The Chiefs have only lost two seasons series with the Kernels this decade...Peoria hit their 95th home run as a team which is the fifth most in franchise history...In seven games at home since returning from disabled list, Johnston is 13-for-24(.542) with three home runs, seven RBI and seven runs scored...Nate Samson was given the night off for the first time since August 12...Bautista's homer was his first at home since July 21...Guyer is hitting .300 (63-210) with 10 home runs, 19 doubles, and 31 RBI since the All-Star Break...He also has hit safely in five straight games which ties his season best...The two teams will wrap up the season series tomorrow afternoon at 2:00...It is the final Family Day of the season presented by Taco Bell...Fans can get a voucher to redeem at the box office to receive four club box seats, a picture frame, and a disposable camera all for $48...The first 1,500 kids 12 and under will receive a CAT/FBI bat...Following the game kids 14 and under can run the bases and all fans can get autographs from Chiefs players...Peoria will send LH Chris Siegfried (5-6, 6.39) to the mound against RH Esmerlin Jimenez (6-7, 3.93)....Siegfried will start for the first time since July 6...The game can be heard live beginning with the pre-game show at 1:45 PM online at www.peoriachiefs.com or on WOAM 1350 AM.

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Midwest League Stories from August 23, 2008


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