Kernels Hang On To Beat Rattlers
September 2, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers News Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - The Cedar Rapids Kernels grabbed a 4-1 lead and held off the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers -- with a little help from the Rattlers -- for a 4-3 win Wednesday night at Time Warner Cable Field. Darwin Perez hit a two-run homer and Roberto Lopez hit a two-run single to give four Kernels pitchers all the runs they would need. But, the ending needed to be seen to be believed.
Wisconsin (24-40 second half, 58-76 overall) got on the board with an unearned run in the bottom of the third inning. Sean McCraw scored from third on a passed ball to give the Rattlers a 1-0 lead.
The Kernels (34-29, 74-59) answered in the top of the fourth. Lopez was hit by a pitch to start the inning, but was still at first with two outs. That's when Perez lifted a fly ball to left that cleared the wall for his second home run of the season and a 2-1 Cedar Rapids lead.
In the top of the fifth, Tyson Auer singled and Alexi Amarista walked with one out. The duo pulled a double steal to make it respectively to third and second. Perez followed with a single to make the score 4-1.
The Rattlers loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the fifth and stranded all three runners. In the sixth, Wisconsin loaded the bases with one out. They would score a run on a sacrifice fly by Derrick Alfonso to make the score 4-2.
The score remained at 4-2 until the bottom of the ninth. Vladimir Veras, the fourth pitcher of the night for Cedar Rapids, retired the first batter. But, Alfonso walked and Erik Miller singled. Brandon Sizemore entered the game to pinch hit and his grounder to short was booted for an error and the Rattlers had the bases loaded with one out.
Josh Prince stepped up and lined a pitch to the gap in right center. Angel Castillo raced over to make the catch and noticed that Miller was about two steps from third base as Alfonso was standing at third to tag up on the catch. Alfonso would score the third run of the game just before Miller got doubled off second to end the game.
Mike Rocco got the win for the Kernels as he allowed one hit over two scoreless innings with two walks and three strikeouts.
Wisconsin and Cedar Rapids play again on Thursday night. Wily Peralta (4-3, 3.38) is the scheduled starter for the Timber Rattlers. The Kernels will send Tyler Chatwood (7-7, 4.12) to the mound.
A Brett Lawrie bobblehead will be given away to the first 1,000 fans courtesy of Integrity Insurance on Thursday.
Other promotions as part of Fan Appreciation on the final homestand of the 2009 season that will be happening tomorrow night are Bang For Your Buck with soda, beer, and hot dogs for $1; a 2010 magnet schedule giveaway from Fast Signs of Appleton, and a 2010 ticket voucher will be given to every fan wearing Timber Rattlers apparel.
Game time is 6:35pm
Midwest League Stories from September 2, 2009
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- Whitecaps Gear Up for Final Homestand - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Dragons Gameday September 2nd - Dayton Dragons
- Playoff Tickets are on Sale - South Bend Silver Hawks
- Viola Becomes 37th Former Dayton Dragons Player to Reach Majors - Dayton Dragons
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