Kernels down Peoria 3-1

The Kernels sit a season-best 35 games above the .500 mark with their 83-48 overall record.

By Matt Cozzi

August 26, 2013

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Kernels won their third straight with a 3-1 victory over the Peoria Chiefs on Monday night. The win is the 83rd of the season, which is tied for the most in affiliated baseball.

Peoria had its first lead of the series when the Chiefs posted a run in the top of the 2nd. Ildemaro Vargas's grounder to first resulted in a fielder's choice RBI to score Jordan Walton and take a 1-0 advantage.

The Kernels stormed back in the bottom half of the 2nd with 2 runs to take a 2-1 lead. The highlight of the frame was a sharp RBI single from Jeremias Pineda that scored Ryan Walker. Michael Quesada extended the inning initially with a 2-out double and scored as well.

Tyler Grimes led off the 3rd with a double in the left center field gap and later scored on a single by Bo Altobelli giving the Kernels a 3-1 lead. Pineda went 3-for-4 while Altobelli and Grimes both finished 2-for-4.

Tim Atherton (8-4) went 7 strong innings in the start for the Kernels. The right-hander allowed a run on seven hits. He struck out six and didn't walk a batter. Mason Melotakis followed out of the bullpen and struck out two in his 1 inning of work. Brian Gilbert pitched a scoreless 9th for his fifth save.

Peoria starter Chris Perry (2-3) exited after 6 innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on eight hits while walking two and struck out three. Steven Sabatino and Dixon Llorens combined for the final 2 innings, allowing no runs.

NEXT GAME:Tuesday, August 27 v. Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals) - 6:35 p.m.

Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium

Cedar Rapids: LHP Miguel Sulbaran (7-4, 3.10) v. Peoria: RHP Silfredo Garcia (4-4, 4.09)

Promotions:Great Clips Twins Tuesday! Get a coupon for a 2-for-1 ticket offer from the Kernels Facebook page or email newsletter! The Kernels will wear replica Twins jerseys, and fans can win a pair of Twins tickets! The Kernels are also passing out Kernels calendars with the 2014 schedule!

Tickets: Available at www.kernels.com or at the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 319-896-7650 (Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-2)

Radio: KMRY 1450 AM/93.1 FM & www.kernels.com