MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Gary Mitchell's homer gives Kernels 5-4 win over Peoria

Published on May 21, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Gary Mitchell hit his 5th home run of the year - a go-ahead 3-run line drive in the 8th inning - en route to a 2 for 3 day and 5-4 Kernels win over Peoria. The victory gave Cedar Rapids (20-24) the series victory over the Chiefs (20-25) before the Kernels hit the road for three games.

Mitchell's shot came after 5 scoreless innings which held few chances for either team. Like the two other games in the series, the Kernels came back from an early deficit. Peoria took an 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning on two consecutive Kernels errors. But the home offense quickly rectified the defense's miscues.

Andy Workman was hit by a pitch for the first of two times Monday to reach first base. The next hitter Mitchell hit a double to right field that was mis-played by Peoria OF Oliver Zapata, and Workman hustled all the way from first to home.

Mitchell came home on the very next pitch, when catcher Abel Baker smacked a ball to right field for an RBI single - Baker's 15th of the season. Then came the lull, in which the teams combined for just 2 hits between the 3rd and 7th innings, both by Peoria.

Kernels starter Mike Clevinger left the game in the top of the 3rd inning with an undisclosed injury, leaving four others to pitch the game by committee. Aaron Meade, Carmine Giardina, and Frank De Julio combined for 5.0 innings of scoreless pitching, setting the table for Ty Kelley in the 9th.

The right-handed Kelley got into maximum trouble in the final frame, as the bases loaded with no-outs. Peoria scored 2 runs to bring the score to its ultimate tally, but after a double-play, a line-drive caught by Wendell Soto ended the game.

Frank De Julio (1-0) got the victory for the Kernels, while Suarez (0-1) took the loss for Peoria. Kelley saved his 6th game of the season.

The Kernels now have an off day on Tuesday for the Kernels Golf Outing. The team opens a three game series at Beloit on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. The Kernels return home on Saturday, May 26 at 7:05 p.m. vs. Quad Cities.

Morgan Hawk brings you the action on the radio home of Kernels baseball, KMRY. Listen at 1450 AM or 93.1 FM, as well as www.kernels.com and www.kmryradio.com. Tickets are available online at www.kernels.com or by calling the Kernels box office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

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Midwest League Stories from May 21, 2012


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