MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Four-Run Inning by Wisconsin Drops Kernels

Published on July 3, 2014 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


GRAND CHUTE, Wis. - The Kernels fell 5-3 at Wisconsin on Thursday night as the Timber Rattlers tallied four runs in the second inning. The Timber Rattlers took two of three games in the final series between the two teams played in Wisconsin. Cedar Rapids hosts the Timber Rattlers twice over the final two months, including next week in a three-game series. The Kernels host Beloit in a three-game series, beginning Friday night for 5:05 p.m. July 4th game.

The Kernels (4-9, 35-48) scored the game's first run in the second inning without a hit, taking a 1-0 lead. Jason Kanzler drew a one-out walk and quickly advanced to third base on a throwing error by Wisconsin's catcher Clint Coulter, who was trying to pickoff Kanzler. J.D. Williams then lifted a RBI sacrifice fly to right, plating Kanzler and giving the Kernels the early lead.

Wisconsin (8-6, 44-39) erased that lead by sending nine men to the plate in the bottom of the second inning, scoring four times on four hits to take a 4-1 advantage. The Timber Rattlers loaded the bases with no outs after hits by Taylor Brennan and Rafael Neda, along with a walk by Omar Garcia. With one out, Angel Ortega poked a two-run single past first base and down the right field line, plating Brennan and Neda to give Wisconsin the one-run lead. A walk to Johnny Davis again loaded the bases. Chris McFarland's RBI sacrifice fly scored Garcia to make the score 3-1. The third walk of the inning, a free pass to Michael Ratterree, again put three on base. Clint Coulter finished the inning with a RBI single into left field, scoring Ortega to put Wisconsin up by three. On the play, Davis was thrown out at home by left fielder Jon Murphy as catcher Bo Altobelli hung on at the dish.

Ryan Walker led the Kernels offense with three hits in the game. He also scored a run and drove in a run. Zack Granite had two hits for the Kernels, both infield singles. That pair both singled to begin the third inning but were unable to score. However, in the fifth the duo again began the inning with consecutive singles, and the Kernels were able to plate a run. With two on, Tanner Vavra reached on an error by third baseman Taylor Brennan to load the bases. Chad Christensen came through with a RBI sacrifice fly to right, pushing Walker across to make the score 4-2.

Brennan made up his error by crushing his ninth home run of the season for Wisconsin in the bottom of the fifth inning. The blast went to deep left-center and put Wisconsin ahead 5-2.

Ryan Eades (5-8) took the loss for the Kernels on the hill, allowing five runs on seven hits over five innings. He struck out five and walked three.

The Kernels scored the game's final run in the sixth inning, making the score 5-3. Williams started the frame with a double to left-center. Murphy then reached on an infield single. The throw from shortstop Angel Ortega was off-target, sending Williams to third. He then scored on another single from Walker, a run-scoring hit into right field.

A trio of Kernels relievers did not allow a run to Wisconsin over the final three innings. Nick Burdi rebounded from his rough professional debut, striking out the side while allowing a hit and a walk. Brandon Bixler and Todd Van Steensel both went one scoreless and hitless inning. Bixler struck out one while Van Steensel struck out two and walked one.

Tyler Alexander (5-3) recorded the win for Wisconsin, going five innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out four and walking three. Taylor Williams went the final four innings for his third save, allowing one run on four hits. Williams struck out six while walking one.

The Kernels return home tomorrow on the 4th of July for a 5:05 p.m. game v. the Beloit Snappers, the Midwest League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. It is Armed Forces Night, and fans can enjoy a post-game fireworks show. The Kernels will wear special patriotic jerseys that will be sold during the game via a silent auction with the proceeds benefitting Stand Down for Veterans. The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a free set of Military Heroes Baseball Cards. Those heroes and families in attendance will be recognized on the field following the game. It's also another Friday Mug Club, sponsored by 98.1 KHAK. Fans can buy a 16 oz. souvenir mug filled with your favorite regular draft beer or soda for just $6.00 and get refills at the concession stands for just $3.00. Midwest Dueling Pianos will be on hand to entertain fans during and after the game. Also, kids and adults are welcome to come down and play catch on the field following the game until the fireworks show starts approximately 9:45 pm.

RHP Ethan Mildren (2-5, 4.46) will start for the Kernels while RHP Kyle Finnegan (6-5, 3.18) will start for Beloit.

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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Midwest League Stories from July 3, 2014


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