MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

South Bend rally trips Kernels, 6-5

Published on May 18, 2003 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – South Bend scored a pair of unearned runs in the top of the ninth inning to rally past the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 6-5, Sunday afternoon before a paid crowd of 1,964 at New Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The crowd also included 52 dogs and owners at the Kernels' first "Bark in the Park'' promotion. Most of the dogs participated in a pre-game parade around the infield. Only one "gift'' was deposited and the owner quickly scooped it up.

The Kernels weren't so fortunate in the top of the ninth, when a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt by pitcher Rich Thompson (1-1) opened the door for the Silverhawks. Another sacrifice bunt put runners at second and third with one out.

Thompson struck out Jared Ball on a curveball that bounced in the dirt. Catcher Jared Abruzzo gloved the ball cleanly, but had to throw to first to retire Ball. When he did, Rudy Santiago raced home from third base, barely beating first baseman Justin Hancock's throw to Thompson, who was blocking off the plate.

Two batters later, Jon-Mark Sprowl singled home the go-ahead run.

The Kernels, lost for only the second time in 18 games when they held a lead after eight innings. The Kernels have not won a game in the bottom of the ninth at home all season.

The loss was the Kernels' seventh in nine games and dropped them a game below .500 at 21-22.

Ransel Melgarejo was 4-for-4 for the Kernels, who out-hit South Bend, 12-7.

Caleb Maher's two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the first inning spotted the Kernels a 2-0 lead.

Kevin Jepsen was sailed through the first four innings, facing one batter over the minimum and not allowing a hit. But Sean Luellwitz singled leading off the South Bend fifth and scored on Jerry Gil's sacrifice fly. Ball's two-out RBI single tied the game, 2-2.

The Kernels pushed across an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth to take a 3-2 lead.

But a pair of walks leading off the South Bend sixth, a base hit and an error gave the Silverhawks their first lead, 4-3, and sent Jepsen to the showers.

The Kernels reclaimed the lead, 5-4, in the bottom of the seventh. Maher's sacrifice fly tied the game, 4-4, and the Kernels went ahead on an RBI single by Alex Dvorsky.

Notes – Melgarejo is 6-for-8 in the two games against South Bend. He is starting in place of Quan Cosby, who has a hamstring injury. ... Kernels pitchers have committed seven of the team's 13 errors in the last 11 games. Jepsen has committed an error in each of his last three starts. ... The Kernels raised $208 for the Cedar Valley Humane Society. The $4 admission fee charged for the dogs was donated to the organization.

Next game – Monday, South Bend at Kernels, 6:30 p.m.

Radio – The Zone ESPN Radio 1600-AM.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Monday – vs. South Bend, 6:30 p.m. Manic Mezzanine Monday. No, the Bangles won't be here, and neither will ZZ Top. But it will be Manic Monday and there will be a Party on the Patio, featuring drink and food specials. A $10 ticket on the Miller Mezzanine Terrace grants patrons access to $1 draws, $2 mixed drinks, $1 hot dogs and $2 brats, as well as the best seats in the stadium.

Tuesday – vs. South Bend, Noon. KDAT Lunch at the Ballpark/Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Fans are invited to dine at Cedar Rapids' largest outdoor restaurant. Krispy Kreme sundaes are $2! Also, one lucky fan will win a pink chair signed by the Kernels in a raffle to raise money to fight breast cancer.

Thursday – vs. Clinton, 6:30 p.m. KDAT Perfect Game Kernels Baseball Cards Night. The first 1,000 children 12-under will receive a free set of Kernels baseball cards, courtesy of Perfect Game USA.

Friday – vs. Clinton, 6:30 p.m. Commercial Federal Fireworks Night. It's a Big Bang Friday! Don't miss our first of four fireworks shows this season.

Saturday – vs. Clinton, 5 p.m. Alzheimer's Association Day. The winner of a seven-night stay at a Colorado resort will be announced on this day. Raffle tickets will be sold at the game.

Sunday – vs. Clinton, 2 p.m. Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet. Half-price hot dogs, coupons for a free slice of pie from Hy-Vee and the chance to win a 2002 Chevy Cavalier from Pat McGrath Chevyland highlight this day. Fans can pre-register for the drawing for the 2002 Cavalier at New Veterans Memorial Stadium or at Pat McGrath Chevyland.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from May 18, 2003


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