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Kernels' Offense Pops as Cubs Fall 8-1

May 4, 2023 - Midwest League (MWL)
South Bend Cubs News Release


South Bend, IN - In a battle featuring a Cedar Rapids Kernels right-hander that the South Bend Cubs roughed up last year, Orlando Rodriguez got his revenge. As South Bend fell on Thursday night by a final of 8-1, Rodriguez, who faced the Cubs in the postseason last year, pitched a gem to help lead the Kernels to the series advantage.

Last September, Rodriguez started Game 3 of the Midwest League West Division Finals. He recorded just one out, allowed four runs, and was taken out of the game in the 1st inning. Thursday at Four Winds Field was much different. Rodriguez glided through five innings, where he gave up one unearned run. He also had six strikeouts.

Cedar Rapids scored first, but left the bases loaded in the top of the 1st inning versus Connor Noland. The former Arkansas Razorback needed 32 pitches to get through the 1st, but was able to limit the damage.

South Bend struck right back too. Scott McKeon continued his hot hitting ways with a base hit, then went to second base on a pick-off error from Rodriguez. McKeon then stole third, and came home courtesy of Fabian Pertuz's bouncing ball single up the middle. It was 1-1 after the 1st.

Noland made it through 3.2 innings and showed strong command with zero walks and three strikeouts.At the plate for South Bend, Ezequiel Pagan continued his strong series after having the walk-off hit on Tuesday. He smashed two more base hits, and is batting .421 in his first week as a South Bend Cub.

Beyond the 5th inning, it was all Kernels. The bats came alive for Cedar Rapids as they plated six combined runs between the 5th and 6th innings. It was a big day for Kala'i Rosario with four hits and two RBI. Rosario was also on base three times on Wednesday.

The Kernels bullpen combined to work four shutout innings, and they finished off the game. Out of the Cubs bullpen, Bailey Reid tossed 1.2 scoreless, and struck out two.

With the Kernels up 2-1 in the series, South Bend will hope to tie it up Friday night at 7:05 PM. Righty Kohl Franklin is the expected starter for the Cubs as South Bend will play for a second straight night live on Marquee Sports Network.

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