Jorge's gem and Corcino's slam help Kernels blast Beloit

Felix Jorge struck out seven in eight scoreless innings, and Edgar Corcino hit a grand slam as part of a five-run fifth.

By Morgan Hawk

July 8, 2015

BELOIT, Wis. - Felix Jorge tossed eight scoreless innings, and Edgar Corcino hit a grand slam in a five-run fifth inning as the Kernels blasted the Beloit Snappers 8-1 at Pohlman Field on Wednesday night. Wednesday's victory came after Beloit's 8-1 win over the Kernels on Tuesday afternoon in Cedar Rapids.

Jorge (4-3) scattered six hits over his eight scoreless innings, striking out seven and walking one for the victory. Jorge has now pitched at least six innings in 13 of his 14 starts this season, going at least five innings in every start. Wednesday night was the second time he has lasted eight full innings. It was the second start where he has allowed zero runs in at least seven innings, both times coming against Beloit.

Corcino's grand slam came in a five-run fifth that put the game out of reach. It was the team's first grand slam in 2015 and Corcino's second long ball of the season.

The grand slam was one of three hits for Corcino on the night. Rafael Valera added two hits and two runs batted in. Nick Gordon and Zack Larson both recorded a pair of hits each.

The Kernels (9-5, 50-34) scored three runs with two outs in the second inning, taking a 3-0 lead. Brian Navarreto's two-out, infield RBI single to deep short scored Jorge Fernandez from third base. Valera followed with a two-run double past first base to plate T.J. White, who walked, and Navarreto as the Kernels jumped ahead by three. A throwing error by third baseman Jose Brizuela early in the inning opened up the scoring opportunity for the Kernels.

Cedar Rapids sent nine batters to the plate as part of a five-run fifth inning that put them ahead 8-0. Three straight singles by Valera, Larson and Gordon loaded the bases with no outs. Corcino then pulled his grand slam home run over the left field wall as the Kernels pulled away with a 7-0 advantage. Max Murphy then was hit by a pitch, and he scored on a two-out RBI single by White to give the Kernels an eight-run lead.

Beloit (6-8, 32-52) picked up their lone run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning off reliever Brandon Bixler. Iolana Akau's RBI double to left scored Brizuela, making the score 8-1. Bixler allowed one run on one hit, striking out one and walking one.

Kevin Johnson (1-5) suffered the loss in a spot start for the Snappers. He allowed three unearned runs on three hits over four innings. Johnson struck out six and walked one. Jerad Grundy allowed all five runs in the fifth inning. Both Cody Stull and Rob Huber worked two scoreless innings.

The series at Beloit concludes on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. RHP Ethan Mildren (2-0, 0.48) starts for the Kernels against Beloit's RHP Heath Fillmyer (0-8, 7.86).

The Kernels return home on Wednesday, July 15 as they host the Burlington Bees for a three-game series. It's Free Money Wednesday, presented by Western Fraternal Life. Western Fraternal Life will give away $500 at the main gates, with $100 being the top cash prize. It's also Hall of Fame Night as the Kernels welcome the Cedar Rapids Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2015 and recognize them before the game, along with members of past Cedar Rapids teams.

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 Kernels games live on KMRY Radio (93.1 FM/1450 AM) and online at www.kernels.com.