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MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Gordon Comes Through in Pinch to Walk-Off Dayton

August 6, 2015 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Nick Gordon's pinch-hit, walk-off RBI single in the ninth inning gave the Kernels a 5-4 win over the Dayton Dragons on Thursday night. Gordon's two-out single to left field scored Zack Larson and capped off a two-run rally in the final frame. It was Gordon's first pinch-hit appearance of the season.

The Kernels (23-17, 64-46) trailed 4-3 going into their final at-bat after the Dragons took the lead in the top of the ninth, but the night concluded with the team's seventh walk-off win of the year.

Rafael Valera started the ninth by reaching second base after a single and an error by center fielder Jonathan Reynoso. He reached third on Edgar Corcino's groundout. Valera scored the tying run on Zack Larson's RBI fielder's choice. With the infield drawn-in, Larson's smash was gloved by shortstop Luis Gonzalez. The shortstop fired home, but he was unable to retire Valera. With Larson at first base, he quickly stole second to get into scoring position. Gordon pinch-hit for Alex Real with two outs and drilled the 3-2 pitch into left to score Larson, giving the Kernels the win and two of three games in the series.

Michael Theofanopoulos (5-2) went three innings in relief for the Kernels and earned the win. He allowed one run on four hits, striking out three and walking one.

Conor Krauss (2-2) was charged with the loss and a blown save. He recorded two outs and allowed two unearned runs on one hit. Brennan Bernardino came out of the bullpen to face Gordon and allowed the game-winning hit.

Dayton (18-22, 57-53) put a pair on the board in the top of the first inning with four hits. Cory Thompson started the game with a double to left field. He scored two batters later on Gavin LaValley's RBI single up the middle. Later in the inning, Jonathan Reynoso's two-out RBI single to the left side of the infield scored Argenis Aldazora and gave the Dragons a 2-0 lead.

The Kernels tied the game 2-2 with a single run in the first and second innings. Tanner English began the home half of the first with a double to left field. He scored on Larson's RBI single to center with two away, his team-best 50th run batted in. Cedar Rapids evened the score in the second inning, with the frame again beginning with a double. T.J. White doubled to left-center to get into scoring position. He came home on Real's RBI single to left field.

White's second double of the evening gave the Kernels their first lead, 3-2, in the third inning. White's two-out double to left-center scored Larson, who reached on a fielder's choice and went to second on a wild pitch.

Dayton tied the game 3-3 in the fifth inning. LaValley started the frame with a single to center. He scored on a RBI single to right by Jimmy Pickens On the play, the potential go-ahead run was thrown out at home by right fielder Edgar Corcino.

The Dragons moved in front 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning. Chadwick Tromp doubled to left-center to begin the frame and advanced to third base on a passed ball by catcher Brian Navarreto. Tromp scored on a two-out RBI single to center by LaValley, his third hit of the night.

The starters for both teams finished with no-decisions. Zack Tillery pitched six innings for the Kernels and allowed three runs on nine hits, striking out six and walking one. Junior Morillo lasted 3 2/3 innings on the mound for the Dragons. He allowed three runs on eight hits while striking out four and walking three. Jeremy Kivel was terrific out of the bullpen for the Dragons. He tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits.

The Kernels open up a three-game home series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods, the affiliate of the Rays, on Friday evening at 6:35 p.m. LHP Randy Rosario (1-2, 2.42) gets the start for the Kernels while Bowling Green counters with RHP Chris Pike (8-5, 3.18).

You'll want to be here when the gates open at 5:30 p.m. The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a FREE bobblehead of Kernels batboy Jon Teig, thanks to Scheels. Also, the first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a 2015 Kernels Team Photo, thanks to Wells Fargo and Copyworks. It's a 98.1 KHAK Kernels Friday Mug Club night. Buy a 16 oz. souvenir mug for $6.00 and get it filled at the concession stands with regular draft beer or soda. Refills are just $3.00 all night. Bring your mug back every Friday home game for $3.00 refills.

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 Kernels games live on KMRY Radio (93.1 FM/1450 AM) and online at www.kernels.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 6, 2015


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