MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Kernels Roll Past Rattlers

Published on July 3, 2014 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


GRAND CHUTE, Wis. - The Kernels topped Wisconsin 6-1 on Wednesday night to even up the three-game series. The Kernels offense jumped in front early with a three-run first inning. Four Kernels pitchers combined to strike out 14 in the victory, led by Lewis Thorpe's eight punch outs. The win snapped a five-game losing streak in road games and a four-game losing streak to Wisconsin.

Thorpe was terrific on the mound for the Kernels. The 18-year-old left-hander struck out eight Timber Rattlers over just 4 2/3 innings. He allowed one unearned run on five hits while walking one. He had excellent command of his breaking ball and changeup, keeping Wisconsin off balance and forcing the Timber Rattlers to chase out of the zone. Thorpe only allowed two hits through four innings, with three hits coming in the fifth. The eight strikeouts matched the most for a Kernels starting pitcher this season.

Offensively, Zach Granite had three hits for the Kernels. Alex Swim drove in three runs.

A night after scoring no runs and recording just four hits in 12 innings of play, the Kernels jumped in front with three runs on four hits in the first inning to take an early 3-0 lead. Granite led off the game with a double to right-center. He came home on Chad Christensen's RBI single to center. Bryan Haar followed with a single to put two on. After a walk to Jason Kanzler, Christensen and Haar came home on Swim's two-run single to right field, putting Cedar Rapids up by three.

Cedar Rapids (4-8, 35-47) went ahead 4-0 in the second inning. Ryan Walker and Granite began the inning with singles. Granite later scored from third base on a two-out wild pitch by Wisconsin's starter Barrett Astin.

The Kernels took a 5-0 lead in the fifth inning on another RBI single by Swim. This went to right field and plated J.D. Williams, who reached via a fielder's choice and stole second base to get into scoring position.

Wisconsin (7-6, 43-39) tallied their lone run in the fifth inning, making the score 5-1. Thorpe struck out two but allowed three singles before exiting with the bases loaded. Reliever Chris Mazza entered, replacing Thorpe. Michael Ratterree reached and Rafael Neda scored on a fielding error by Bryan Haar at third base, causing the run to be unearned.

The Kernels scored the final run of the game in the sixth inning with no hits and three Wisconsin errors. Tanner Vavra reached on a throwing error by Taylor Brennan at third base. Then, Walker reached on a fielding error by shortstop Angel Ortega. Ortega quickly committed a second error on the same play. This was a throwing error towards first, allowing Vavra to reach third base. He later came home on Engelb Vielma's RBI groundout to short against a drawn-in infield, increasing the lead to 6-1.

Mazza (1-2) picked up the win for the Kernels in relief, going 1 1/3 innings. He did not allow a run or a hit while striking out three and walking one. Alex Muren pitched two scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out a pair and walking none. Hudson Boyd finished the game, going one scoreless and hitless inning. He walked one and struck out one, the final batter of the game for the 14th strikeout for Kernels pitching.

Barrett Astin (5-4) took the loss for Wisconsin, allowing six runs (five earned) on nine hits over six innings. He struck out six and walked two. Clint Terry went three innings in relief for the Rattlers, allowing no runs on two hits while striking out two and walking none.

The Kernels and Timber Rattlers play the final game of the series on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. It is the final game of the season the Kernels will play at Wisconsin's home ballpark. RHP Ryan Eades (5-7, 6.17) starts for the Kernels while LHP Tyler Alexander (4-3, 3.67) goes for the Timber Rattlers.

The Kernels return home on Friday, July 4 for a 5:05 p.m. game v. the Beloit Snappers, the Midwest League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. The game on July 4 is Armed Forces Night, and fans can enjoy a post-game fireworks show. The Kernels will wear special patriotic jerseys that will be sold during the game via a silent auction. The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a free set of Military Heroes Baseball Cards. It's also another Friday Mug Club, sponsored by 98.1 KHAK. Fans can buy a 16 oz. souvenir mug filled with your favorite regular draft beer or soda for just $6.00 and get refills at the concession stands for just $3.00.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics

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