Kernels Score Twice in 9th to Win 10th Straight
June 30, 2013 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - It appeared the Kernels winning streak would come to an end on Sunday, but the Kernels rallied for two runs on only one hit in the bottom of the ninth inning to push past Peoria 6-5. It extended the Kernels winning streak to 10 games.
The lone hit of the ninth inning came from Max Kepler. With the bases loaded and the game tied, Kepler's RBI single into left center scored Jorge Polanco to give the Kernels the win. The inning began when Jeremias Pineda was hit by a pitch. Niko Goodrum traded places with Pineda after his bunt turned into a force out at second base. Polanco drew a walk, and then Dalton Hicks was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Travis Harrison drew a walk to tie the game 5-5. Kepler's single was the first for the home team since the fourth inning.
Peoria plated three runs in the second inning to take an early 3-0 lead. Jeremy Schaffer scored the first run when Breyvic Valera reached on a fielding error by Kernels second baseman Joel Licon. Ildemaro Vargas then drew a bases loaded walk to bring Nick Martini home, putting Peoria up by a pair. Jacob Wilson's RBI groundout pushed Jimmy Parque across to extend the Chiefs lead to three runs.
The Kernels put single runs on the board in both the second and third innings, trimming the Peoria lead 3-2. Travis Harrison led off the second inning with a double, and he scored on Adam Brett Walker's RBI single. In the third inning, Jorge Polanco came home when Harrison reached with a RBI fielder's choice.
Cedar Rapids then took a 4-3 lead in the fourth inning by scoring twice on two doubles. Joel Licon crushed a RBI double to straight-away center that scored Tyler Grimes, tying the game. Two batters later, Niko Goodrum's RBI double brought Licon in to give the Kernels their first lead.
Peoria tied the game 4-4 in the fifth inning when Schaffer doubled and scored on Martini's RBI single to center field.
Peoria took a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning after a two-out error. Jeremy Schaffer reached second base on a two-base throwing error by Kernels third baseman Travis Harrison. Martini then continued his nice afternoon at the plate with another RBI. His double brought home pinch-runner Charlie Tilson, giving the Chiefs the lead.
Tim Atherton made his first start for the Kernels after making 20 relief appearances. He went 3.1 innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits. He struck out two and walked three. Kaleb Merck went 2.2 innings in relief, allowing one run on four hits while striking out two and walking none. Alex Muren went two innings, allowing one unearned run on one hit while striking out three and walking none. Tyler Jones (4-3) pitched a scoreless inning to collect the win, allowing one hit while striking out two and walking none.
Silfredo Garcia started for Peoria, allowing four runs and eight hits over five innings. He struck out three and walked two. Joe Scanio pitched two scoreless innings in relief for the Chiefs. Joe Donofrio pitched one scoreless inning. Robert Stock (0-1) took the loss, allowing two runs in 0.1 inning.
Twins pitcher Mike Pelfrey will make a rehab start for the Kernels on Monday night in the final game series.
Next Game
Monday, July 1 v. Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals)-6:35 p.m. Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium
Cedar Rapids: RHP Mike Pelfrey (MLB Rehab) v. Peoria: RHP Brad Watson (0-1, 9.00)
Radio: KMRY 1450 AM/93.1 FM & www.kernels.com
Promotions: Dollar Monday! Get regular hot dogs, small popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, chips, & Cracker Jack for each just $1.00! Plus, get $1.00 hard or soft shell tacos at the Hacienda Las Glorias/La Cantina Mexican Cart!
Tickets: Available at www.kernels.com or at the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 319-896-7650 (Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-2)
Midwest League Stories from June 30, 2013
- Hauschild Dominates LumberKings' Lineup - Clinton LumberKings
- South Bend Takes Pair from Dragons - Dayton Dragons
- Hawks Sweep Dragons in Sunday Double-Dip, 4-1 & 4-2 - South Bend Silver Hawks
- Loons Out-Slug Lansing - Great Lakes Loons
- Rattlers can't comeback on Sunday - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Streich Is on the Mark in 2-0 Shutout - Beloit Sky Carp
- Kernels Score Twice in 9th to Win 10th Straight - Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Streich Silences Bees on Sunday - Burlington Bees
- Late Power Propels Cougars to Victory - Kane County Cougars
- Dixon, Loons hold off Lugnuts, 8-5 - Lansing Lugnuts
- Offense Stays Quiet In Fourth Straight Loss - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Baker Outstanding in 1-0 Win - Lake County Captains
- Surging Reginatto Drives Home Five in Win - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- TinCaps Held Scoreless at Lake County - Fort Wayne TinCaps
- Chiefs Lose 2-1 in 10 Saturday - Peoria Chiefs
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.
