Kernels top Clinton 6-1

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - The Kernels scored four runs in the sixth inning to defeat Clinton 6-1 on Friday night. Keaton Steele (2-0) earned the win on the mound as he allowed one run over seven innings.

Steele allowed five hits, struck out six and walked three in just his second start, third appearance, for the Kernels. Randy LeBlanc earned his first save as he went the final two innings, allowing no runs on two hits. He struck out one and hit one batter.

Brett Doe and Pat Kelly both had three hits on the night. Doe knocked in two runs while Kelly recorded one run batted in.

Clinton (23-26) took an early 1-0 as the first three batters of the game reached base. Arby Fields began the game with a single into left field. Rayder Ascanio then singled to center to put two on. Nelson Ward's RBI double down the right field line scored Fields.

The Kernels (31-18) offense was quiet through five innings as Clinton starter Luiz Gohara, making his first Midwest League start, tossed five shutout innings. He allowed four hits while striking out one and walking one.

Jarrett Brown went to the mound in the bottom of the sixth inning and allowed four runs as the Kernels jumped in front 4-1. Cedar Rapids collected four hits in the frame and took advantage of Brown's four wild pitches. The first four Kernels of the inning all reached and scored. Blake Schmit reached on an infield single, advancing to second base on a throwing error by shortstop Rayder Ascanio. Pat Kelly's RBI triple to deep left-center scored Schmit to tie the game. Zack Larson's RBI double into the left-center gap plated Kelly and gave the Kernels their first lead. Two wild pitches by Brown brought in Larson, giving Cedar Rapids a 3-1 advantage. Max Murphy was hit by a pitch and reached second base on Brown's third wild pitch. Murphy came home on Brett Doe's RBI single to center for the inning's final run. Doe soon reached on Brown's fourth wild pitch of the inning, but he was left on base to end the inning as eight total men came to the plate.

The Kernels added two additional runs in the eighth inning to take a 6-1 lead. T.J. White drew a two-out walk to start the rally. Jorge Fernandez reached with a single on a missed pop up to the left side of the diamond. White advanced to third on the play and scored on Peter Miller's wild pitch. Doe's RBI double scored Fernandez as the Kernels took a five-run advantage.

Brown (1-3) took the loss as he allowed four runs on four hits in one inning of work. He struck out none and walked none. Miller allowed two runs in two innings of relief. He allowed two hits while striking out two and walking one.

The Kernels continue the series on Saturday evening at 6:35 p.m. RHP Zack Tillery (3-1, 2.15) gets the start for the Kernels against Clinton's RHP Lukas Schiraldi (4-3, 3.97).

The Kernels are hosting their annual Youth Baseball Clinic for boys and girls ages 5-12 from 9 to 11 AM on Saturday, May 30th. The cost of the clinic is $15 in advance and $20 the morning of the clinic. Here's a chance to learn basic baseball skills such as catching, throwing and hitting from the Kernels players and coaches. Download the registration form at www.kernels.com, or call Ryne George at 896-7617 for more information or to register.

That night, it's another post-game FIREWORKS show when the Kernels take on Clinton at 6:35 PM. The first 1,000 fans through the gates, age 13 and older can receive a free admission pass to the Great Jones County Fair. There will be Face Painting by Kennedy on the concourse during the game and the gates open at 5:30 PM. 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.

Tickets are available online at www.kernels.com. You can also visit the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium or call 319-896-7560. Morgan Hawk brings you the action of all Kernels games live on KMRY Radio (93.1 FM/1450 AM) and online at www.kernels.com.