April 22, 2012

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Cedar Rapids (R-H-E): 2-5-0
Dayton (R-H-E): 0-4-0

WP: Joe Melioris (1-0)
LP: Radhames Quezada (0-2)
Sv: None

HR: Dayton: None
HR: Cedar Rapids: None

Dayton, Ohio-Cedar Rapids pitchers Eswarlin Jimenez and Joe Melioris combined on a four-hit shutout as the Kernels defeated the Dayton Dragons 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Field. The game was played in one hour, 54 minutes before a crowd of 8,710 as the Dragons fell to 8-9 on the season.

Cedar Rapids scored single runs in the first and fourth innings to generate all the offense they would need. The Kernels collected only five hits against Dragons pitchers Radhames Quezada and Brooks Pinckard.

All four Dragons hits in the game were doubles, and Kernels pitchers did not walk a batter. The Dragons best chances to score came in the second and eighth innings. Danny Vicioso led off the second with a double to the gap in left-center, but he was stranded at third. Kyle Waldrop led off the eighth with a double down the right field line, but he also was stranded at third. In the bottom of the ninth, Juan Perez doubled down the right field line with one out, but Ryan Wright flied out to left and Vicioso grounded to third to end the game.

Quezada (0-2) became the first Dayton pitcher to work seven innings this season. He allowed five hits and two runs (one earned) with two walks and four strikeouts but suffered the loss. Pinckard, who arrived in Dayton just minutes before the start of the game from the Cincinnati Reds' California League affiliate in Bakersfield, retired all six batters he faced and struck out two.

Melioris, standing 6-foot 11, was credited with the victory. He worked the final five innings and allowed just two base runners while striking out two.

The Dragons host the Kernels in the second game of the series on Monday at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field. Starting pitcher Daniel Tuttle will make his first appearance of the season for Dayton against Cedar Rapids' Ryan Crowley (1-1, 3.07). The series concludes Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.