Jeffers Draws Walk-Off Walk in 10th Inning

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Ryan Jeffers' bases-loaded walk in the 10th inning Friday lifted the Cedar Rapids Kernels to a 3-2 win over the Clinton LumberKings in front of 3,058 fans at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Kernels (25-9, 57-46) also secured a three-game sweep over Clinton (17-16, 56-47) while picking up their ninth victory in their last 10 tilts.
Calvin Faucher induced an inning-ending double play during the top of the 10th to give Cedar Rapids its chance for a walk-off win later in the frame. David Banuelos started at second base and moved to third when Michael Davis reached on an error. After an intentional walk to Akil Baddoo, Sam Delaplane unintentionally walked Jeffers to force in Bañuelos and end the game.

Friday's scoring started with two-out tallies from each club within the second inning. Onil Pena hit a two-out double and scored after a single by Dimas Ojeda for a brief 1-0 LumberKings advantage. Jacob Pearson drew a walk for Cedar Rapids, stole second base, and came home on Jared Akins' RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.
The Kernels jumped in front for the first time, 2-1, in the bottom of the sixth. Baddoo led off with a single before Jeffers delivered a double. Two batters later, Robby Rinn produced a sacrificed fly to drive in Baddoo.
Clinton forced the extra inning by evening the score at 2-2 during the ninth. Ryan Costello collected a leadoff single, and Keegan McGovern added a double. Following a strikeout by Jack Larsen, Pena bounced a groundball to shortstop that allowed Costello to come home while the Kernels retired McGovern in a rundown.
Faucher (4-3), who had an 0-3 record in extra-inning games entering Friday's game, was credited with his first extra-inning win. Delaplane (4-1) did not record any outs and suffered his first loss of the year. Kevin Marnon picked up a hold for Cedar Rapids prior to Faucher's arrival.
This Kernels homestand continues over the weekend with a two-game series against the Quad Cities River Bandits. Saturday's series opener will begin at 6:35 p.m., and Kernels right-hander Blayne Enlow (2-2, 3.16) is slated to start against River Bandits right-hander Bryan Abreu (1-0, 0.00). Live coverage of the contest will be available 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
During this homestand, the Kernels are partnering with Minor League Baseball and BUSH'S Beans for a food drive to collect non-perishable food donations that will be given to HACAP. Postgame fireworks are scheduled to follow Saturday's tilt. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a free stress ball courtesy of UnityPoint St. Luke's. Mediacom MC22 will cover the contest and broadcast Saturday's game via tape delay.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.