MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Storm, Whitecaps beat Kernels

Published on May 10, 2003 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – A brief downpour Saturday evening that included quarter-inch diameter hail ended the Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball game against the West Michigan Whitecaps after five innings.

West Michigan scored twice in the top of the fifth inning to erase a 2-1 lead and beat the Kernels, 3-2, in a rain-shortened Midwest League game at New Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Kernels (19-16) were three outs away from their fourth straight win when the weather started turning ugly.

The Whitecaps (18-18) tied the game with a lead-off double by Victor Mendez and RBI single by Mike Rabelo. An errant pickoff attempt at first base by Kernels pitcher Phil Wilson (0-1) sent Rabelo to second and, one out later, he scored the go-ahead run on Juan Francia's double.

The rain picked up in intensity starting the bottom of the fifth. Justin Hancock flied out and Quan Cosby grounded out.

B.J. Weed fell behind in the count, no balls and two strikes, before scalding a liner to center field through the driving rain. West Michigan center fielder Victor Mendez slipped to his knees as he attempted to make the catch. The ball whistled past him to the wall. Weed raced around the bases and as he hit third skidded just a bit. West Michigan left fielder Wilton Reynolds, meanwhile, chased the ball down and fired back toward shortstop Juan Gonzalez, whose relay to the plate was just in time to nail Weed trying for an inside-the-park-home run.

The Kernels had taken a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning on David Gates' two-out, two-run single. West Michigan had claimed a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on Reynold's two-out RBI single.

Jason Graham (2-0) was the winning pitcher in relief of West Michigan starter Joel Zumaya, who let the game with an undisclosed injury after striking out the side in the second inning.

Because of the intense nature of the storm, the grounds crew was unable to get the tarp completely on the infield. Home plate and the area around first base were left uncovered. After waiting nearly an hour, the field was deemed unplayable.

Next game – Sunday, West Michigan at Kernels, 5 p.m.

Television – FOX 28/40

Radio – The Zone ESPN Radio 1600-AM.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

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 10, 2003


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