MWL Cedar Rapids Kernels

Kernels Explode for 16 Runs, Rout South Bend 16-6

Published on May 7, 2024 under Midwest League (MWL)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


South Bend, IN - The Cedar Rapids offense exploded for a season-high 16 runs Tuesday night topping South Bend in the series opener 16-6 to extend its winning streak to six games.

South Bend got on the board first in the bottom of the second inning. A Brad Kalmer RBI single and a two-run base hit by Brett Bateman lifted the Cubs on top 3-0 after the second inning.

But in the third, Cedar Rapids took the lead it would never lose. A Luke Keaschall hit by pitch and a Ricardo Olivar single put two runners on for Rubel Cespedes who smashed a three-run home run to tie the game at 3-3. Behind him, the next batter, Danny De Andrade, singled, and Jay Harry put the Kernels on top 4-3 with an RBI double.

In the fourth, a single, hit by pitch and a walk loaded the bases for Cespedes who added his fourth RBI of the night with a sacrifice fly. A De Andrade hit by pitch reloaded the bases for Harry who walked to drive home another run to put the Kernels up 6-3.

In the fifth, a walk, hit by pitch, and single again loaded the bases, this time for Keaschall, who notched a sac fly to extend the advantage to 7-4. After a flyout, Cespedes walked to load the bases for De Andrade, who brought home all three runs with a three-run double to extend the advantage to 10-3.

South Bend scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, and the Kernels led 10-5 heading to the top of the ninth inning.

Up by five in the ninth, Cedar Rapids was not satisfied. Agustin Ruiz doubled to begin the inning, and after a Nate Baez single moved him to third base he scored on a Willie Joe Garry Jr. RBI base hit. Keaschall then walked to load the bases and a wild pitch scored Baez to increase the lead to 12-5. Olivar walked to re-load the bases in front of Rubel Cespedes who collected RBIs five and six on the night with a single to increase the lead to 14-5. De Andrade loaded the bases again with a walk before Ruiz notched his second hit of the inning, this time a two-run single to extend the lead to 16-5.

South Bend scored on a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth, but it was far too little, too late in Cedar Rapids' 16-6 victory.

The 16 runs are a season-high, and the Kernels' 14 hits match a season-best. Game two of the series is set for tomorrow at 10:05 am with Miguelangel Boadas on the mound opposite Will Sanders.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics

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



Midwest League Stories from May 7, 2024


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