MWL1 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

Kernels get in playoffs

Published on August 27, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers News Release


GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Cedar Rapids Kernels are heading to the Midwest League playoffs. Jeremy Moore and Julio Perez homered and Eddie McKiernan pitched through an eighth inning jam to nail down a 3-2 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Wednesday night on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The Rattlers loaded the bases three times in the game, but could only score one time with the sacks full.

Moore gave the Kernels (70-63 overall, 38-27 second half) a lead right off the bat. The Kernel leadoff batter hit a 3-2 pitch from Timber Rattler starting pitcher Michael Pineda over the left field wall for a 1-0 lead on batter into the game.

The Rattlers (53-78, 22-43) loaded the bases in the bottom of the first inning with two outs, but could not push across the tying run against Kernel starter Robert Fish.

Cedar Rapids added to their lead with an unearned run in the top of the fifth inning. Tyler Johnson was going from first to third on a single to right by Alberto Rosario. Maximo Mendez made an ill-advised throw to third and threw wildly. Johnson scored easily and the Kernels were up 2-0.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Rattlers loaded the bases with one out. But, Fish got Edilio Colina to ground into an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play.

A solo homer by Perez, his fifteenth long ball of the season, in the top of the sixth gave the Kernels a 3-0 lead.

Joe Dunigan put Wisconsin on the scoreboard against Fish in the bottom of the sixth. The Rattler first baseman launched a long home run to center. It was Dunigan's team leading fourteenth homer of the season.

That was the only run that Fish allowed over six innings. He struck out eight and allowed just three hits.

Wisconsin loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Kernels went to their closer Eddie McKiernan to try to get out of the jam.

Denny Almonte's sacrifice fly to deep center drove in one run and moved the tying run to third base. But, that was the only run Wisconsin would get in the inning as McKiernan worked out of the situation.

In the ninth, the Rattlers never threatened as McKiernan retired the side in order with a pair of strikeouts to lock down a playoff spot for the Kernels.

The Timber Rattlers conclude their home schedule with a game Thursday night against the Kernels. Keith Meyer (2-5, 4.75) is the scheduled starter for Wisconsin. Michael Davitt (6-8, 4.69) is set to start for the Kernels.

The ZOOperstars will be on hand fresh off an appearance on America's Got Talent. Thursday is also the final bonus Bang For Your Buck Night with soda, hot dogs, and beer for $1. Game time is 7:05pm.

Check out the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from August 27, 2008


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