MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Gonsalves Leads Kernels to Win over Rattlers

Published on May 26, 2015 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Stephen Gonsalves struck out 12 Timber Rattlers for a victory over Wisconsin on Tuesday. The Kernels improved their record to 29-17 while Wisconsin fell to 13-33. The two teams continue the series on Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m.

Gonsalves (5-1) struck out a season-high 12 batters in six innings of work. He allowed one unearned run on three hits, with one walk and one hit batter. The southpaw struck out eight of the first nine batters before allowing a single to lead off the fourth inning.

Gonsalves has now struck out at least 10 in three of his eight starts this season. The 12 strikeouts on Tuesday night matched a team-best 12-strikeout performance by Mat Batts on May 18 at Peoria. Gonsalves also struck out 11 Timber Rattlers at Wisconsin on April 23. In 13 total innings against the Timber Rattlers this season, Gonsalves has earned two wins while striking out 23 while allowing one unearned run, four hits and two walks.

Michael Cederoth earned a hold by tossing two perfect innings for the Kernels in relief, striking out two. Cam Booser struck out one in a perfect ninth inning for his fifth save. The trio of Gonsalves, Cederoth and Booser held Wisconsin to three total hits on the night.

Cedar Rapids took an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Tanner English drew a walk to lead off the inning and advanced to third on a Nick Gordon single to left. Cedar Rapids scored the first run of the game on of a perfectly executed double steal. Gordon stole second with Trey Vavra at the plate, beating the throw of catcher Carlos Leal. English then broke for home on the throw to second, just beating the return throw to the plate. Vavra extended the Kernels lead to two on an RBI double down the left field line, bringing around Gordon. Max Murphy reached base after getting hit on the elbow, giving the Kernels runners on first and second with still no outs. Three batters later, Jorge Fernandez put the Kernels up by three with a two-out, RBI single to center, scoring Vavra.

The Kernels tacked on another run in the bottom of the fourth, extending the Cedar Rapids lead to 4-0. Back-to-back walks by Wisconsin starter Devin Williams to Tyler Kuresa and Tanner English gave the Kernels runners on first and second with no outs in the frame. Luke Curtis then walked Gordon after replacing Williams in relief. Zack Larson followed Gordon with a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Kuresa.

Wisconsin got on the board with an unearned run in the sixth inning, making the score 4-1. With Sthervin Matos at first base after the lone walk by Gonsalves, the Timber Rattlers ended up with runners on the corners after two errors on one play. A missed catch by first baseman Tyler Kuresa allowed Elvis Rubio to reach first base. On the same play, Matos got in a rundown and reached third base on a missed catch by shortstop Nick Gordon. Matos came home on a RBI single by Carlos Leal.

Devin Williams (0-3) took the loss for Wisconsin after allowing four runs on five hits in three innings, walking four and striking out one. Luke Curtis pitched two scoreless and hitless innings in relief for the Timber Rattlers. Angel Ventura added three scoreless innings, allowing one hit while striking out six and walking one.

The game was delayed just over an hour at the start due to rain.

The series v. Wisconsin continues on Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m. RHP Felix Jorge (2-2, 2.13) starts for the Kernels against Wisconsin's RHP Cy Sneed (2-5, 1.81).

You'll want to be here when the gates open at 5:30 p.m. as Western Fraternal Life will be passing out a total of $500 to fans age 18 and older as part of Free Money Wednesday.

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

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from May 26, 2015


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