Clinton's combined no-hitter downs Kernels, 2-0
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - The Clinton LumberKings tossed a combined no-hitter as they defeated the Kernels 2-0 on Friday night at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Three hurlers combined to throw the 23rd no-hitter in LumberKings history, their first combined no-hitter since 1996. Two, two-out walks from Trey Vavra and Tanner English gave Cedar Rapids their only two baserunners of the evening.
Daniel Missaki (2-1) earned his second win in his fifth straight road start of the year. Missaki tied a season-high with seven strikeouts and allowed just one walk in seven hitless innings. The 19-year-old right-hander retired 20 in a row - taking a perfect game into the seventh inning - until issuing a two-out walk to Vavra in the bottom of the seventh. Kody Kerski recorded his first hold of the year for Clinton. Kerski struck out two of the three batters he faced in the bottom of the eighth. Troy Scott earned his first save of the season with a hitless ninth inning. The right-hander struck out two while walking one.
Stephen Gonsalves (2-1) suffered his first loss of the year. The southpaw allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out eight in seven innings. Michael Theofanopoulos struck out a pair and retired all six hitters he faced in two scoreless innings of relief.
Clinton (9-13) got on the board first with a pair of runs in the top of the fifth. Estarlyn Morales led off the inning with a solo home run down the left field line, his second homer of the year. Chantz Mack followed with a single to left and advanced to second on an Adam Martin sacrifice bunt. Kristian Brito extended the LumberKings lead to 2-0 with an RBI double to right, scoring Mack from second, and giving the LumberKings a 2-0 advantage.
The Kernels (12-10) look to end a three-game slide tomorrow night vs. the Clinton LumberKings. First pitch from Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium is at 6:35 p.m. RHP Michael Cederoth (0-2, 5.14) gets the start for Cedar Rapids while RHP Tyler Herb (0-1, 6.43) counters for the LumberKings.
It's the first Saturday of May and that means its Kentucky Derby time! The Kernels are opening the gates at 5:00 p.m. for all fans so they can watch the Kentucky Derby on the LED board at approximately 5:25 p.m. There will be two ponies and a horse at the game, thanks to 2 Joes Farms, and enjoy special Kentucky Derby drink specials, Mint Juleps and the Clearheart Lily, for just $6 at the Budweiser Beverage Center on the main concourse. It's also our first FIREWORKS show of the season. After the game a spectacular fireworks show lights up the sky around Perfect Game Field. Fireworks nights are VERY popular so make sure to order your tickets online at www.kernels.com or call the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 now. First pitch between the Kernels and Clinton is set for 6:35 p.m.
Tickets for all Kernel home games are available online at www.kernels.com, in person at the Kernels Ticket Office, or by calling 896-7560 during Ticket Office Hours. The Kernels Ticket Office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The ticket office is closed on Sunday, but opens at 11 a.m. on Kernel Sunday Home games.
Make sure to listen to all the exciting MWL action, home and away, on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM, as Morgan Hawk brings you the play-by-play action. Or listen via the internet www.kmryradio.com or www.kernels.com!