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MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Kernels Win Suspended Game But Lose Regularly Scheduled Game

May 18, 2015 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


PEORIA - Ill. - The Kernels finished the suspended game from May 14 with a victory but were one-hit in the regularly scheduled game to finish the evening at Peoria with a split. Cedar Rapids beat the Chiefs 7-3 in the opener, which started in the fourth inning with the Kernels up 6-2. Peoria shut out the Kernels 1-0 in the second game as both starters went the distance in the seven-inning contest. Mat Batts started for the Kernels and struck out 12 Chiefs, including six in a row, but took the loss as Peoria's Austin Gomber allowed one hit in the seven-inning, complete-game shutout victory.

Monday began with the Kernels and Chiefs resuming last Thursday's suspended game in Cedar Rapids. The game was suspended because of rain and wet grounds after the top of the fourth inning with the Kernels leading 6-2. Cedar Rapids resumed as the home team, despite playing at Dozer Park.

Before the game was suspended on Thursday, Peoria took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The Chiefs collected three straight singles to tally the first run. After singles by Andrew Sohn and Collin Radack, Nick Thompson's RBI single to left plated Sohn to give Peoria the early lead. Two batters later, Steve Bean's RBI single scored Radack to put the Chiefs up a pair.

Cedar Rapids quickly tied the game 2-2 in the bottom of the first inning. Tanner English started the inning with a triple before scoring on Nick Gordon's RBI single to left. Gordon later scored from third base to tie the game on Zack Larson's RBI sacrifice fly.

The Kernels scored four times in the second inning to jump in front 6-2. Rainis Silva started the inning with a double to deep left. After a groundout he scored on Blake Schmit's RBI sacrifice fly. English then walked while Gordon reached on an error by first baseman Alex DeLeon. Trey Vavra's then smacked a three-run to left to put the Kernels up by four runs.

Stephen Gonsalves completed the top of the fourth inning on the hill before the game was suspended on Thursday. Gonsalves went four innings and allowed two runs on four hits while striking out four and walking none.

When the game resumed on Monday evening Peoria quickly scored a run on back to back doubles to cut the Kernels lead to 6-3. Danny Diekroeger doubled to right to begin the fifth inning, and Blake Drake's RBI double to left trimmed Peoria's deficit to three.

The Kernels got the run back in the sixth inning, making the score 7-3. English's RBI single to center field scored Rainis Silva, who drew a walk earlier in the inning.

Keaton Steele (1-0) made his Kernels debut and went five innings in relief for the victory. He allowed one run on three hits while striking out two and walking one.

Dewin Perez (0-2) pitched three innings for the Chiefs last Thursday and allowed six runs (three earned) on five hits for the loss. Blake McKnight pitched four relief innings, allowing one run on one hit. Jhonny Polanco added a scoreless inning for Peoria.

In the regularly scheduled game, Batts started and allowed a leadoff single to Oscar Mercado. Batts then struck out the next six batters, the first Kernels pitcher to accomplish that feat this season. His streak was snapped in the third inning when he walked Sohn with one out. Casey Turgeon snuck a RBI double inside the third base line. It rolled towards the Kernels bullpen, allowing Sohn to score and put Peoria up 1-0. Consecutive singles followed as the Chiefs loaded the bases with one out. However, Batts was able to gain his seventh strikeout and a fielder's choice to end the frame.

That was the only run of the game for either side in the seven-inning game. Larson recorded the only hit for the Kernels as he singled in the second inning. In the sixth inning, English reached on a throwing error by Chiefs third baseman Sohn as the Kernels finished with two base runners.

Peoria's Austin Gomber (3-3) allowed just one hit over seven scoreless innings for the complete-game victory. He struck out four and walked none.

Batts (3-2) suffered the tough-luck loss after striking out 12 in six innings of work. The 12 punch outs were a season-high for a Kernels pitcher this season. Batts allowed one run on five hits and one walk.

The Kernels and Chiefs continue the series on Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m. RHP John Curtiss (2-2, 2.06) gets the start for the Kernels against Peoria's RHP Daniel Poncedeleon (3-0, 1.35)

The Kernels next home game is Tuesday, May 26 at 6:35 p.m. They host the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. It's another Twins Tuesday, presented by Great Clips. Get an online coupon from the Kernels Facebook page or email newsletter for a 2-for-1 ticket offer. The Kernels will wear special jerseys that will be sold via a silent auction at the end of the season. One lucky fan will win a pair of Minnesota Twins tickets.

Tickets are available online at www.kernels.com. You can also visit the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium or online at www.kernels.com.

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