Kernels lose 1-0 in 11 innings
CLINTON, IOWA - The Kernels and Clinton LumberKings split the first 20 games they played in 2016, and it took 11 innings to decide the 21st meeting. Clinton defeated the Kernels 1-0 in 11 innings in Monday's deciding Game 3 to advance to the Midwest League Championship Series, ending the Kernels season at Ashford University Field.
In the 11th inning, a two-out RBI single by Rayder Ascanio scored Logan Taylor for the lone run of the night. Taylor began the inning with a single into right-center, moving to second on Rafael Fernandez's single to left. With two outs and a 1-2 count, Ascanio's RBI single was ripped into left-center. It scored Taylor easily for the walk-off win.
Anthony McIver (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing one run on three hits in 1 1/3 innings. Ronald Dominguez (1-0) earned the win after getting the final out in the top of the 11th inning.
The pitchers for both teams were outstanding. Sean Poppen started for the Kernels and tossed five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out three. Michael Cederoth pitched two scoreless innings, striking out five. Tom Hackimer went 2 1/3 scoreless frames, allowing just one hit while striking out two.
Nick Neidert started for Clinton and struck out nine over seven scoreless innings. The 19-year-old allowed just three hits and no walks for the no-decision. Neidert also threw seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts in his last start - Game 1 v. Peoria. Joey Strain added 1 2/3 scoreless innings while Matt Walker did not allow a hit or a run in two innings of relief work.
The Kernels were held to four hits on the night while Clinton recorded eight hits.
Cedar Rapids had an excellent chance to score in the fifth inning but came up empty. Travis Blankenhorn doubled and quickly moved to third with no outs after a wild pitch. However, shortstop Rayder Ascanio made a pair of terrific plays - a diving stop in the hole and a catch of a line drive - to hold Blankenhorn at third base. Jaylin Davis then struck out looking to end the inning.
The Kernels had a runner at third in both the eighth and ninth but did not score. J.J. Fernandez singled to start the eighth inning, eventually making his way to third. A groundout ended that threat. In the ninth inning, Casey Scoggins started the inning with a single. Luis Arraez walked with one out, and Blankenhorn was intentionally walked to load the bases. Fernandez flew to center, ending the ninth. Cedar Rapids did not get a runner into scoring position in the 10th or 11th inning.
Clinton had plenty of opportunities to score before the 11th inning, as well. Eusebio was left at third to end the third inning. Alex Jackson was stranded at third to end the fourth after a one-out double. The LumberKings had runners at second and third in the seventh, but Cederoth struck out Mariscal to end the inning. Jackson led off the ninth with a double and was at third base as the potential winning run after a sacrifice bunt. Hackimer induced a groundout and eventually a pop out to leave the bases loaded.
The 2017 Kernels season begins on Thursday, April 6 at Beloit. The 2017 home opener is Saturday, April 8 v. Beloit at 5:05 p.m. Visit www.kernels.com throughout the offseason for all Kernels news and upcoming events.