MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Kernels Blast Beloit 11-1

Published on May 8, 2015 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


BELOIT, Wis. - The Kernels blasted Beloit 11-1 on Thursday night, scoring in the first seven innings for a season-high in runs. The 10-run win was the team's largest margin of victory this season.

The Kernels (17-11) scored two runs each in four consecutive innings from the fourth through the seventh. Eight of nine Kernels scored a run in the game for their fourth victory in a row on the road trip.

Pat Kelly collected three extra-base hits, a home run and two doubles, as he went 3-for-4 with three runs batted in and two runs scored. Zack Larson also knocked in three runs, going 2-for-3 with two walks to reach base four times. Nick Gordon scored three runs while Tanner English drew three walks.

Three Kernels pitchers held the Snappers to four hits. Stephen Gonsalves (3-1) went five innings for the victory, allowing one run on three hits. He struck out five while walking four. Sam Clay earned a hold, tossing three scoreless innings and striking out four while allowing one hit and walking three. Michael Theofanopoulos worked a perfect ninth inning, striking out a pair.

The Kernels took a 1-0 lead in the first inning without collecting a hit. Tanner English drew a walk before being forced out on Nick Gordon's fielder's choice. Gordon quickly stole second, and Trey Vavra walked before a wild pitch sent Gordon to third. Gordon scored on Max Murphy's RBI groundout to second base.

Pat Kelly picked up the first hit for the Kernels in the second inning, and it gave Cedar Rapids a 2-0 lead. Kelly's two-out, RBI double to left-center scored T.J. White, who walked two batters earlier.

Beloit (13-15) cut the Kernels lead to 2-1 in the second inning with a RBI single by Yairo Munoz. The run-scoring hit to center field followed a pair of two-out walks and scored Shawn Duinkerk.

The Kernels got the run back in the third inning, making the score 3-1. Cedar Rapids loaded the bases with no outs after singles by Gordon and Vavra, along with a throwing error to allow Murphy to reach. Zack Larson's RBI sacrifice fly to the warning track in center brought Gordon home to put the Kernels back up by a pair.

Cedar Rapids added two runs in the fourth inning, extending their lead to 5-1. Kelly blasted a solo home run to center field for the first run of the inning. It was Kelly's second long ball of the season. With two outs, Gordon drew a walk, stole second and reached third on a throwing error. He scored on a wild pitch as the Kernels took a four-run lead.

The Kernels tacked on two more runs in the fifth inning for a 7-1 advantage. Zack Larson drew a leadoff walk and scored on Jorge Fernandez's RBI double to right-center. Fernandez reached third base on a fielder's choice and scored on Pat Kelly's RBI sacrifice fly to center, his third run batted in on the night.

The scoring streak continued with another pair of runs in the sixth inning as Cedar Rapids went ahead 9-1. Vavra doubled and Murphy walked to begin the inning. A passed ball and wild pitch put them both in scoring position. Larson's RBI single through the right side of the infield plated Vavra. Murphy came home from third base on White's RBI groundout.

Two more runs for the Kernels in the seventh inning made the score 11-1. Kelly started the inning by striking out, but he reached on a wild pitch. After Tanner English walked and Gordon was hit by a pitch, Vavra's RBI sacrifice fly to right plated Kelly. Two batters later, Larson's RBI single to right, his third run batted in on the evening, brought English in to put the Kernels up by 10 runs.

Jordan Schwartz (0-4) took the loss for the Snappers, allowing five runs (four earned) over 3 2/3 innings. Beloit used a total of five pitchers on the night.

The teams combined for 16 walks on the night with the Kernels drawing nine and the Snappers collecting seven.

The Kernels continue the series at Beloit on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. RHP Michael Cederoth (0-2, 4.00) starts for the Kernels while RHP Kevin Johnson (1-1, 5.17) pitches for the Snappers.

The Kernels return home on Monday, May 11 against the Peoria Chiefs to begin a seven-game home stand. Monday's game is a Mark Down Monday. Get regular hot dogs for just $1.50. Small popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, chips and Cracker Jacks are only $1.00.

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

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from May 8, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central