MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Kernels Complete Comeback to Win in 10

Published on May 13, 2015 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - The Kernels came back to beat the Peoria Chiefs 6-5 in 10 innings on Wednesday afternoon. Peoria led 4-0 after the top of the third inning, but the Kernels clawed back for the largest come-from-behind-win of the season.

Pinch-runner Zack Larson scored the walk-off run in the bottom of the 10th inning on a throwing error by Chiefs first baseman Justin Ringo. Tyler Kuresa began the 10th inning with a single before being replaced by Larson. Nick Schmit put down a sacrifice bunt and reached base after a fielding error by pitcher Robby Rowland. Tanner English's sacrifice bunt moved runners to second and third with one out. Nick Gordon then bounced a ball to first as Larson broke for home. Ringo's throw was low, allowing Larson to score and give the Kernels a 6-5 victory.

Randy LeBlanc (2-0) picked up the win for the Kernels, tossing a scoreless and hitless top of the 10th inning. Rowland (1-1) suffered the loss for Peoria in two innings of work. He allowed the unearned run on one hit.

Peoria led 4-0 and 5-2 early in the game after three home runs, two by Nick Thompson.

The Chiefs jumped ahead with a four-run third inning. Blake Drake put Peoria up 1-0 with a solo home run to lead off the frame. It was Drake's fourth of the season and went out to left field. Magneuris Sierra then singled and scored when Justin Ringo reached on a dropped fly in right field by Jorge Fernandez. Nick Thompson followed with the second home run of the inning. Thompson's third of the season was a two-run blast to left and gave the Chiefs a 4-0 lead.

The Kernels got on the board in the bottom of the third. Nick Gordon started the inning with a single into left. He then stole second and reached third on a throwing error by catcher Steve Bean. Trey Vavra's RBI single to right plated Gordon to cut Peoria's lead to 4-1.

The Kernels made the score 4-2 with another run in the fourth inning. Vavra's RBI sacrifice fly brought in Tanner English from third base. English reached on a fielder's choice, stole second base and advanced to third when Gordon reached on an error by first baseman Justin Ringo.

Tyler Kuresa's two-run double with two outs in the fifth inning trimmed Peoria's lead to 5-4. Kuresa's liner into the right-center gap plated both Murphy and White, who both singled.

The Kernels tied the game 5-5 in the bottom of the eighth inning with a RBI single to left by Gordon. With one out, English doubled down the left field line. Gordon's opposite-field hit into left got past the diving shortstop Oscar Mercado, bringing in English.

John Curtiss started for the Kernels and went five innings in a no-decision. He allowed five runs (four earned) on seven this while striking out four and walking three. Zack Tillery worked four scoreless innings in relief for the Kernels, allowing just one hit while striking out six and walking two.

Daniel Poncedeleon started and went four innings on the hill for the Chiefs in a no-decision, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits. Blake McKnight allowed two runs on four hits over two innings. Kevin Alexander gave up one run over 1 3/ inning.

The Kernels and Chiefs wrap up their series on Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. LHP Stephen Gonsalves (3-1, 1.41) gets the ball for the Kernels against Peoria's LHP Dewin Perez (0-1, 11.37).

Thanks to First Federal Credit Union, three fans age 18 and older will win a 32-inch flat screen television. Fans 18 can older can register at the First Federal Credit Union table to win, and you must be present to win. It's a Z 102.9 Thirsty Thursday. 12 oz. regular draft beer and 20 oz. bottled soda and water are just $2.00. It's also a Little Caesar's College Night. Show your college ID at the Kernels Ticket Office and get a Club ticket and two slices of Little Caesar's pizza for just $8.00. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online at www.kernels.com. You can also visit the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium or online at www.kernels.com.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from May 13, 2015


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