Kernels swat homers, Bees in series opener

June 2, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release

Three lucky fans drove away from Veterans Memorial Stadium with used cars Friday night while the Kernels (26-29) walked away with a 4-2 victory over the Burlington Bees.

Jordan Renz and Dallas Morris socked back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the first and Tommy Mendoza (3-5) went eight innings as the Kernels won for the fifth time in six days.

While the offensive outburst was a day late for pitcher Robert Mosebach, who suffered the agony of losing a six-hit complete game 1-0 at Clinton on Thursday, it was more than enough for Mendoza. The 18-year-old right-hander held the Bees in check by limiting the Kansas City Royals farmhands to seven hits while striking out five and walking just one.

Ryan Aldridge worked the ninth to pick up his 11th save of the season.

The Kernels scored all four of their runs off Burlington starter Chris Nicoll (3-3) in the first inning after Brad Coon led off the frame by drawing a walk. Hainley Statia then pounded a ball into the gap in right-center before moving to third on a ground out by Flint Wipke. After Mark Trumbo fanned for the second out of the inning, Renz belted a Nicoll offering high and deep over the left field wall. Morris quickly followed with a solo blast, his fifth of the season.

Josh Johnson had both Burlington RBIs, knocking in runs in the fifth and seventh innings.

The two teams meet again at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. Right-hander Andy Hill (1-0) will face Burlington's Michael Penn (3-1). A post-game fireworks show, sponsored by Alliant Energy, will follow the 7 p.m. contest. Tickets are available by calling the Kernels box office at 896-7560.

Midwest League Stories from June 2, 2006

• Kernels swat homers, Bees in series opener - Cedar Rapids Kernels
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