MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Kernels Smash Hot Rods, 8-2

Published on July 15, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Cedar Rapids Kernels belted 13 hits and got a strong pitching performance from Heath Nichols, defeating the Bowling Green Hot Rods 8-2 on Thursday night at Perfect Game Field. Five Kernels had multiple hits in the ballgame. Ricky Alvarez led the way, going 3-for-4 with a home run and two runs driven in.

Heath Nichols (6-5) continued to pitch tremendously for the Kernels, picking up his sixth win of the season. He tossed seven innings, striking out six Hot Rods hitters and allowing only two earned runs. Hot Rods starting pitcher George Jensen (8-4) picked up the loss in the game, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing eight earned runs.

Bowling Green jumped on the Kernels right away in the top of the first inning. After a triple by Derek Dietrich, Phil Wunderlich brought him home on a sacrifice fly to give the Hot Rods a 1-0 lead. Cedar Rapids answered back in bottom of the first. Brandon Decker's single scored Jeremy Cruz and Ricky Alvarez, giving the Kernels a 2-1 edge.

Nick Schwaner's groundout in the third inning scored Derek Dietrich and tied the ballgame at two, but once again, the Kernels came right back. Ricky Alvarez hit a 2-run home run in the third inning, allowing the Kernels to retake the lead, 4-2. The home run was Alvarez's seventh of the year.

The Kernels broke the game open in the fourth inning, scoring four runs to take an 8-2 lead. Jean Almanzar hit his second triple in as many days, driving home Marcus Nidiffer to make the score 5-2. Almanzar has recorded a hit in his last 13 ballgames. A Rolando Gomez single to right field drove home Almanzar, and a 2-run home run by Jeremy Cruz brought home Gomez to give the team an 8-2 advantage. Cedar Rapids turned the ball over Beau Brooks in relief of Nichols. Brooks pitched two scoreless innings, allowing no hits while striking out one.

The Kernels go for the series sweep over Bowling Green on Friday evening at 6:35 p.m. You could win one of three used cars that will be given away during the game as part of Pat McGrath Used Car Night. Three lucky fans, age 18 and older, will win a used car during the game from Pat McGrath. It's 70's Decade Night. Come dressed in your tie-dye t-shirts and bell bottoms as the Kernels celebrate the 70's all game long. The Kernels welcome special guests from Marengo to their community night at the ballpark. It's also 98.1 KHAK Two for One Beer Friday - buy one 16 oz. draft beer at the regular price and get the second free. Gates open up at 5:30 p.m.

Morgan Hawk brings you the action on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 AM and 93.1 FM, KMRY. Fans may also listen online at www.kmryradio.com or www.kernels.com. Tickets are available online at www.kernels.com or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from July 15, 2011


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.

OurSports Central