MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Mathis drives in three runs in Kernels\' 5-1 victory

Published on May 7, 2003 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Jake Mathis had three hits and drove in three runs to lead the Cedar Rapids Kernels past the Dayton Dragons, 5-1, Wednesday night in a Midwest League baseball game played before a paid crowd of 1,074 at New Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Kernels (17-15) snapped a five-game losing streak and broke a two-game skid against Dayton (16-17).

Jean Toledo (3-2) pitched seven innings of scoreless ball for the win. Rich Thompson notched his second save, striking out all four batters he faced.

Eight members of the Kernels' starting nine players had at least one hit. Mathis had three hits, including a two-run single in the sixth inning and RBI single in the eighth. Erick Aybar and Jared Abruzzo had two hits apiece.

The Kernels took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on Quan Cosby's one-out RBI single.

The Kernels looked like they might come up empty in the sixth inning, despite back-to-back doubles by Aybar and Abruzzo leading off the inning. Abruzzo's hit was a towering fly that deflected off the upper part of the 15-foot high Randy Kuehl Honfidence Pavilion sign in left field, forcing Aybar to stop at third base.

The runners were still at second and third base two outs later when Mathis stepped to the plate. His line drive cleared the bases and put the Kernels ahead 3-0.

Toledo held Dayton in check for seven innings. He escaped a one-out bases loaded situation in the fourth inning when Ryan Hanigan hit into a double play. The Dragons had runners at first and third with one out in the seventh, but Toledo again escaped by striking out Brad Correll and getting Junior Ruiz on a pop out to shallow center field. Ruiz was hitting .519 in 27 at bats with runners in scoring position.

Toledo became the first Kernels pitcher to work seven or more innings in a game this season. No Kernels pitcher has worked longer than seven innings in a game.

Kevin Howard's two-out RBI single in the eighth inning off of Kernels reliever Dustin Griffith cut the Kernels' lead to 3-1. The hit also knocked Griffith out of the game and brought on Rich Thompson to pitch to Dayton's Mark Schramek, who had doubled an inning earlier off Toledo. Thompson struck out Schramek.

The Kernels added two insurance runs in the eighth inning on back-to-back doubles by Abruzzo and Alberto Callaspo and Mathis' two-out single.

The Kernels handed Dayton right-hander Eddy Valdez his first loss. He dropped to 3-1.

Next game – Thursday, Dayton at Kernels, Noon

Radio – The Zone ESPN Radio 1600-AM.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Thursday – vs. Dayton, Noon. KZIA Lunch at the Ballpark. Join us for lunch at Cedar Rapids' largest outdoor restaurant. Also, Krispy Kreme Sundaes for $2.00!

Friday – vs. West Michigan, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday – vs. West Michigan, 5 p.m. 100.7 The Fox Tips for Trips Night. Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Everyone entering the stadium will get a chance to win a trip to Anaheim to see an Angels game and visit Disneyland, including round-trip airfare. People can earn extra tickets by tipping 100.7 The Fox disc jockeys, who will be vending beverages. The tip money goes to the American Cancer Society, on the eve of the Big Bang, baseball's effort to help wipe out breast cancer.

Sunday – vs. West Michigan, 2 p.m. Mercy Women's Center Heart to Heart Baseball Cap Day. The first 1,000 women age 18-older will receive a free navy baseball cap on Mother's Day, courtesy of the Mercy Women's Center and its Heart to Heart program. It also is another Krispy Kreme Sundae, with the delightful treats featuring Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Well's Blue Bunny ice cream and chocolate or strawberry toppings for only $2.00.

Monday – vs. West Michigan, 6:30 p.m.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from May 7, 2003


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