Power Bats Back Baker
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - A pair of home runs backed Scott Baker's best rehab start as the Kane County Cougars defeated the Cedar Rapids Kernels 9-1 on Wednesday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
After Trevor Gretzky and Gioskar Amaya whacked singles, Jeimer Candelario ripped a three-run homer with two outs in the third inning to put the Cougars (23-41, 53-77) ahead. In the fourth, Carlos Escobar added to the lead when he smashed a two-run shot.
Meanwhile, Baker (W, 1-2) retired the first 13 Kernels (44-30, 84-49) he faced. He allowed just one base hit over five shutout innings while striking out two and walking none.
Jose Berrios (L, 7-7) started for Cedar Rapids and worked five innings while giving up five hits and five runs.
In the seventh, the Cougars tacked on two more runs thanks to RBI singles from Willson Contreras and Jose Dore with two outs. Kane County added two more runs in the ninth on their way to the victory which snaps a three-game losing streak.
The Cougars continue their final road series of the year with the second of a three-game set against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Wednesday evening at 6:35 p.m. The Cougars starter has yet to be announced. The Kernels will send Brett Lee (7-4) to the mound. The Cougars will return home to take on the Chiefs for the final series of the year on Saturday, August 31st at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, please call (630) 232-8811 or visit www.kccougars.com.