MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Molina Moves Kernels Past Bees, 3-0

August 19, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Nelson Molina went 4-for-4 for the first time in his career and led the Cedar Rapids Kernels to a 3-0 win Friday over the Burlington Bees in front of 3,400 fans at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Molina officially drove in two runs to support Lachlan Wells and the Cedar Rapids pitching staff in a combined shutout victory.

In the third inning, the Kernels (31-23, 67-56) took a 2-0 lead. Batting against Luis Pena with runners at the corners and two outs, Molina hit an RBI single that drove in J.J. Fernandez. Casey Scoggins, who was running from first base on the pitch, scored easily when the throw from right field went to second base.

Molina pushed another run home during the fifth to stretch Cedar Rapids' lead to 3-0. Manuel Guzman received a one-out walk and reached third base after a stolen base and an error. Southpaw Tyler Watson came in to face the left-handed Molina, and the result was another single into right field. Guzman scored for an important insurance run.

Wells opened the combined shutout with 5.2 scoreless innings against Burlington (28-26, 60-64). He retired 11 of the first 12 batters that he faced and also worked through a bases-loaded jam in the fifth within a shutout start. Wells improved to 5-3 with the victory and has not allowed an earned run in any of his five wins.

In the seventh inning, Molina wrapped up his four-hit game with one final single to right field. Molina also posted a double in the first inning during his 4-for-4 outing while securing an eight-game hit streak.

Williams Ramirez and Anthony McIver completed the shutout in relief. Ramirez fired 2.1 hitless innings for his team-high fifth hold of the season. McIver tossed a scoreless ninth inning and recorded his team-high ninth save.

Pena (4-8) was charged for the loss in Friday's opener. The right-hander gave up three runs - two earned - in 4.2 innings pitched.

This series continues Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. as Kernels right-hander Tyler Beardsley (0-2, 3.60 ERA) pitches against Bees right-hander Jaime Barria (8-6, 3.91 ERA). Catch the action with Morgan Hawk and Chris Kleinhans-Schulz on KCRG 9.2, 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com and MiLB.TV.

Cargill Special Olympics Night is on tap for Saturday, featuring postgame fireworks. There will also be a silent auction on the concourse to support Special Olympics. Plus, it is Host Family Recognition Night. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:35 p.m. tilt.

Tickets for all Kernels home games are available at www.kernels.com, the Kernels Ticket Office and by calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The ticket office is closed on Sundays except on Kernels Sunday home dates when it will open at 11:00 a.m.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics



Midwest League Stories from August 19, 2016


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