MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Chiefs Sweep Kernels with 6-3 Win

Published on June 26, 2014 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


PEORIA, Ill. - The Peoria Chiefs finished off a three-game sweep of the Kernels with a 6-3 win at Dozer Park on Thursday night. Cedar Rapids collected six hits in Thursday's game and was held to five total runs in the three-game set. The Kernels went 1-6 on the road trip to open up the second half, which began with a four-game series at Kane County. They finish the season 0-6 in games at Dozer Park. The Kernels head home to begin a four-game series with Clinton on Friday night at 6:35 p.m.

Peoria quickly took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, grabbing the first lead of the game for the first time in the series. Vaughn Bryan led off by lining a ball to left that rolled to the wall. He was able to speed in for a triple, just beating the tag at third base. CJ McElroy, Jr. then chopped a RBI single over the head of Kernels shortstop Engelb Vielma, who was drawn in, making the score 1-0. McElroy later scored when Mason Katz reached on a RBI fielder's choice when Vielma's throw to first base on a double play attempt was off the mark.

The Kernels got on the board in the third inning with a run to cut the Chiefs lead to 2-1. Jon Murphy led off the inning by lining a double deep into the gap in left-center. Ryan Walker then pushed a single the opposite way into left field, moving Murphy up to third base. After Walker was caught stealing, Murphy scored on Zack Granite's RBI groundout.

The Chiefs quickly got the run back in the bottom of the third inning, increasing their lead to 3-1. Justin Ringo singled into right to lead off the inning. He later scored on Luis Perez's RBI fielder's choice on a ball that was stopped deep in the hole for Vielma at shortstop.

The Kernels cut the Chiefs lead to 3-2 in the fourth inning. Chad Christensen led off the inning with a walk. He advanced to second base on a wild pitch by Peoria starter Alex Reyes - one of three wild pitches in the inning by the righty. Christensen scored when Bryan Haar pulled a hard-hit RBI single into left field, a shot that fell just in front of the left fielder McElroy, Jr.

Peoria pulled away 4-2 in the sixth inning with a RBI double by Richy Pedroza. The double went the opposite way into the left field corner and scored Michael Schulze, who had previously drawn a walk with one out.

Aaron Slegers (5-5) took the loss for the Kernels on the mound. He went six innings and allowed four runs on seven hits while striking out three and walking three.

The Chiefs delivered the knockout punch in the seventh inning when Luis Perez connected for a two-out, two-run triple to center field, increasing Peoria's lead 6-2. The three-bagger followed back to back two out walks to Steve Bean and Katz. Hudson Boyd pitched the seventh inning for the Kernels, allowing both runs on the one hit. He struck out one while walking two.

Todd Van Steensel pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the Kernels, striking out one. He allowed two hits but was assisted by a double play to end the inning.

Haar's RBI single in the fourth inning was their fifth hit of the night. The team recorded their sixth hit in the ninth inning, also a single by Haar. The Kernels threatened in the ninth inning but settled for one run to make the score 6-3. Christensen walked and Haar singled to begin the inning. A double play off the bat of Alex Swim sent Christensen to third base, and he scored on a RBI single into left field by J.D. Williams. Tanner Vavra followed with a walk, brining Murphy to the plate as the tying run. However, a strikeout ended the game.

Alex Reyes (5-5) went six innings in the win for the Chiefs. He allowed two runs on four hits while striking out five and walking one. Jhonny Polanco pitched two scoreless and hitless innings, striking out one and walking one, for a hold. Peoria used two pitchers to finish the ninth inning. Zach Lorraine allowed a run and two hits, with two walks, over 2/3 inning before exiting with the tying run at the plate. Chris Perry struck out the only batter he faced, Murphy, to end the game and record his third save.

The Kernels return home on Friday night for a 6:35 p.m. game against the Clinton LumberKings, the Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. It's Halfway to Christmas Night. You'll want to be here when the gates open at 5:30 pm as the first 1,000 fans through the gates get a free Kernels Stadium Snow Globe. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Elves, and a live reindeer will be on the concourse, thanks to 2 Joes Farms. The Kernels will wear special jerseys, sponsored by Learning Rx, as part of Autism Awareness Night. The jerseys will be sold during the game via a silent auction with the proceeds to benefit the East Central Iowa Autism Society. Caricature artist Alison Bennett will be at the game. The Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department will hold its annual Home Run Derby for their league softball players on the field before the game. It's also 98.1 KHAK Kernels Friday Mug Club night. Buy a 16 oz. souvenir mug for $6 and get refills at the concession stands for $3 all game. Bring your mug back to every Kernels Friday home game for $3 refills.

A pair of southpaws will start in the series opener on Friday night. The Kernels send LHP Lewis Thorpe (0-1, 7.11) to the mound while Clinton goes with LHP Eddie Campbell (4-5, 6.53)

Tickets are available at www.kernels.com. You can also visit the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium or call 319-896-7560. Kernels games are broadcast live on KMRY Radio (93.1 FM/1450 AM) and streamed online at www.kernels.com.

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