Kernels Take Series With 7-3 Win
April 12, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs News Release
Cedar Rapids, IA - The Cedar Rapids Kernels scored six unanswered runs to come from behind and beat the Peoria Chiefs 7-3 in the finale of a three game series. With the loss, their second in a row, the Chiefs finish a seven game road trip 3-4.
With the Chiefs leading 3-2 in the 6th inning, Roberto Sotolongo relieved starting pitcher Todd Blackford. Sotolongo walked Pat Reilly to start the inning before giving up a single to Travis Schlichting. After a sac bunt moved the runners up 90 feet, Sotolongo struck out Dallas Morris for the second out. Jordan Renz then connected for his first hit of the season, a three run homer to left as the Kernels took a 5-3 lead.
The Kernels added a pair of runs against Ed Campusano in the 8th. Renz doubled home Schlichting for the first run and then scored on a single up the middle by Flint Wipke for the final margin.
Cedar Rapids took a 3rd inning lead against Blackford. With one out, Blackford walked Flint Wipke the number nine hitter. Brad Coon executed a perfect hit and run single to put runners on the corners for Larry Infante. Infante put the home team on top 1-0 with a sacrifice fly line drive to left to bring Wipke home.
Peoria had chances to score in the 1st and 3rd innings but left runners in scoring position both times. They finally broke through against Nick Adenhart in the 4th. Brandon Taylor was hit by a pitch on the right hand to start the inning and advance to second on a wild pitch. Ryan Norwood drew a walk and both came home on a homer to left field off the bat of Jesus Valdez. The roundtripper was the first of the season for Valdez and the third of the series for the Chiefs.
Cedar Rapids cut the lead in half in the 5th inning. With two outs, Blackford walked Brad Coon and two pitches later, Coon stole second to get into scoring position. An infield single by Infante scored Coon to cut the Chiefs lead to 3-2.
Blackford took a no-decision for the Chiefs going five innings while allowing two runs on three hits. He struck out two and walked two. Sotolongo took the loss, the first of his career. He allowed three runs on two hits and two walks in his one inning of work. Adenhart, a 19-year old right-hander picked up the win after allowing three runs on four hits over six innings.
Pepsi Player of the Game
Jesus Valdez (OF) - Valdez provided all of the Chiefs offense with a three run homer in the 4th that gave Peoria a 3-1 lead. The homer was the first of the season for the Chiefs right-handed hitting outfielder who had five last year in Boise.
Notes...The homer by Valdez marked the first hit in 12 at-bats for the Chiefs with runners in scoring position dating back to the 9th inning on Monday afternoon...Before the homer, Renz was 0-for-13 with 10 strikeouts on the season...The Chiefs now return home for the home opener against Quad Cities on Thursday night...Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins will throw out a first pitch and sign autographs...All fans will receive a 2006 Peoria Chiefs Magnet Schedule courtesy of the Chiefs and O'Brien Automotive Team...RHP Mike Billek (0-1) will start Thursday at 6:30 PM against RHP Mark McCormick (1-0)...The broadcast begins with the pre-game show on www.peoriachiefs.com at 6:15 PM.
Midwest League Stories from April 12, 2006
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