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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - With extra innings in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, it seemed the Kernels finally figured out the formula for defeating the LumberKings. After Clinton took the first two games of the series against the Kernels in the 9th and 8th innings respectively, the solution would be to push the game further. But two runs in the top of the 10th meant another late Clinton win, 7-5, and a series victory over the Kernels.

The LumberKings (24-15, 47-60) maintain their lead in the Midwest League Western division in second half, while the Kernels (11-28, 43-66) have lost four games in a row. A bases loaded single by Jabari Blash in the top of the 10th broke the 5-5 tie, and an insurance run scored next on a Kevin Rivers sacrifice fly.

The Kernels attempted a two out rally when both Matt Scioscia and Zach Wright singled, but both were stranded. Wright reached base all five times he was at the plate and had four singles in the game.

It seemed another late loss loomed for Cedar Rapids when Clinton's Dan Paolini had another tie-breaking hit in the series. Although not as dramatic as Tuesday's 9th inning solo home run that gave Clinton a 3-2 victory, Paolini hit an RBI single up the middle to give Clinton a 5-4 lead. But with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th, Matt Scioscia belted a fastball just far enough over the left field wall - initially the umpire thought the homer was robbed - to tie the game at 5.

Two 2-RBI doubles granted the Kernels their first four runs. The initial double afforded Cedar Rapids an early advantage, while the later two-bagger tied the game.

The Kernels grabbed an early lead in the bottom of the 1st inning after Drew Martinez walked followed by an Alex Yarbrough double. With two outs, Gary Mitchell clobbered a ground rule double to left center field which bounced over the wall and scored both base runners.

Runners were on the corners in the 5th when Andy Workman knocked a double that scored both runners and tied the game at 4-4. The hit was the highlight of Workman's 3-5 day at the plate.

Clinton gained a two-run lead of its own in the top of the 3rd inning when the entire LumberKings lineup had an opportunity at the plate. The bases were loaded when a walk followed by a 2-RBI single gave Clinton the lead. The final run of the 3rd was due to a John Dowd RBI double.

Stephen Shackleford (3-1) earned his second victory in three days for Clinton, while the newest Kernel Junior Carlin (0-1) took the loss in relief.

Next: Friday, August 3 vs. Clinton LumberKings (Mariners) at 6:35 p.m.

Pitching Matchup: LHP Eswarlin Jimenez (5-4, 3.72) vs. Clinton's RHP Trevor Miller (6-7, 3.48)

Promotions: The first 1,000 fans receive a free Ron "Roady" Plein bobblehead, courtesy of Wells Fargo! It's another Kernels Mug Club Night, presented by Sip N Stir and 98.1 KHAK! Buy a 16 oz. mug of domestic draft beer for only $5.00 and get refills for only $2.50!

Get your tickets now! Tickets are available online at www.kernels.com. The ticket office at Veterans Memorial Stadium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Morgan Hawk brings you the live action on the radio home of Kernels baseball, KMRY. Listen at 1450 AM or 93.1 FM, as well as www.kernels.com and www.kmryradio.com.