MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Kernels Collect 18 Hits in 10-5 Win over Wisconsin

May 9, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


GRAND CHUTE, Wis. - The Kernels set a season-high with 18 hits in a 10-5 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Friday evening. The win snapped a three-game losing streak. Engelb Vielma and Mitch Garver paced the offense as they both picked up four hits. Vielma scored four runs, and Garver drove in three runs. Brian Haar added three hits and two runs batted in. Aaron Slegers (4-0) picked up the win in 5 2/3 innings of work.

The Kernels and Timber Rattlers traded single runs in the first inning. With two outs, Chad Christensen doubled, Garver reached on an infield single, and Zack Larson walked to load the bases. Haar's infield RBI single that was chopped over the top of Wisconsin pitcher Zach Quintana scored Christensen to get the scoring started. Wisconsin's Johnny Davis laid down a bunt single and reached second base on an errant pickoff attempt by Kernels starter Slegers in the bottom of the inning. Chris McFarland's RBI single that snuck through the left side of the infield scored Davis and tied the game 1-1.

In the third inning, the Kernels took a 4-1 lead. Vielma singled and went to second base on a throwing error. After a fly out and a walk by Garver, Vielma scored on a RBI sacrifice fly by Larson on a leaping catch by Timber Rattlers centerfielder Omar Garcia. Haar then ripped a hit into left field. The ball was bobbled by Johnny Davis in left, allowing Garver to come all the way around from first to score. With Haar at third base, Jason Kanzler's RBI single into right field put the Kernels up by three runs. Wisconsin cut the Kernels lead to 4-2 in the bottom of the third inning when David Denson's RBI single scored McFarland from second base.

The Kernels extended their lead to 6-2 with a pair of runs in the fourth inning. J.D. Williams walked before Vielma reached on another infield single. Both scored when Garver doubled down the left field line.

Wisconsin's Clint Coulter homered for the second time in the series when he shot a solo home run over the wall in center field. It was his league-best eighth homer of the season and cut the Kernels lead to 6-3.

Garver again came up with a big hit in the sixth inning, pushing the Kernels lead to 7-3. His double down the left field line scored Vielma, who had singled to start the frame.

Angel Ortega hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning, making the score 7-5.

Slegers (4-0) exited after 5 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on nine hits. He struck out seven and walked one while picking up his fourth win.

The Kernels added three insurance runs in the eighth inning, increasing their lead to 10-5. Vielma tripled to start the inning for his fourth hit of the night. He quickly scored when Christensen bounced a RBI single over the top of a drawn-in infield. Garver followed with a single - his fourth hit of the night. Christensen scored when Haar walked with the bases loaded later in the inning. Garver came home on Kanzler's RBI single into left field.

Todd Van Steensel went 2 1/3 innings in relief for the Kernels and struck out six and walked two while not allowing a run or a hit. Christian Powell pitched the ninth inning, striking out one and walking three with no runs or hits allowed.

Quintana (0-3) took the loss for the Timber Rattlers, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits over three innings. Tristan Archer allowed five runs over four innings. Harvey Martin went two innings and allowed one run.

The series at Wisconsin wraps up on Saturday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. RHP Ryan Eades (3-3, 2.87) starts for the Kernels while the Timber Rattlers counter with RHP Victor Diaz (0-1, 5.14) The Kernels return home on Monday to face Peoria in a doubleheader at 5:05 p.m. The doubleheader features another Dollar Monday at the ballpark. Fans can get regular hot dogs, small popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, chips, and Cracker Jacks for $1 each on Monday home games. 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 May 9, 2014


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