MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Snappers Win Opener of Doubleheader

Published on June 6, 2018 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Despite a quality start from Brusdar Graterol over a career-high seven innings, the Cedar Rapids Kernels dropped a 4-3 decision in eight innings Wednesday against the Beloit Snappers in game one of a twin bill at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Game two of the day-night doubleheader between Cedar Rapids (27-30) and Beloit (27-30) will begin at 6:35 p.m.

Graterol and Mitchell Jordan were locked in a pitchers' duel prior to the extra frame. Graterol, who threw five fastballs at 100 miles per hour Wednesday, limited the Snappers to two runs within the longest start of professional career. Jordan picked up a season-high six strikeouts in a career-high 6.2 innings pitched and also allowed just two runs.

Wednesday's twin bill opener was scoreless until both teams posted a run in the fifth inning. Jack Meggs hit a leadoff triple for Beloit and scored on a one-out single by Skyler Weber. Andrew Bechtold opened the bottom of the frame with a double and came home during David Bañuelos' RBI single that tied the contest at 1-1.

The Snappers jumped in front, 2-1, within the top of the sixth. Following Hunter Hargrove's one-out single, Logan Farrar collected a go-ahead double that brought Hargrove in from first base.

Cedar Rapids was down to its final strike during the seventh inning when Jordan Gore evened the score, 2-2. Bechtold led off with a double but stayed at second base until Gore's two-out, two-strike single allowed him to tally the game-tying run.

Beloit scored twice in the eighth inning and held on for a 4-3 victory after giving up a run later in the frame. Mickey McDonald started the inning at second base and scored after a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch. Trace Loehr added a critical insurance run by coming home on Jordan Devencenzi's two-out RBI double. The Kernels answered with a two-out RBI single by Robby Rinn, but pinch-runner Jacob Pearson was caught stealing at second base to end the game.

Jesus Zambrano (5-1) was credited with his team-high fifth victory for keeping Beloit ahead through the bottom of the eighth inning. Calvin Faucher (1-2) yielded two runs including one unearned run in the top of the frame and took the loss.

Game two of Wednesday's day-night doubleheader is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., and Kernels right-hander Tanner Kiest (0-0, 3.00) will face Snappers right-hander Bryce Conley (2-2, 4.71). Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will call the contest on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.

Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.

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Midwest League Stories from June 6, 2018


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