Dobnak sends Kernels to sweep of Snappers

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Randy Dobnak led the Kernels to a 4-0 victory and a sweep of the Beloit Snappers in the Midwest League Quarterfinals on Friday night. Cedar Rapids advances to the Western Division Championship Series for the fifth consecutive season. The Kernels have now won 10 straight first-round playoff games, including four consecutive opening-round sweeps.
Dobnak (1-0) went the distance in the seven-inning contest for a complete-game shutout victory. The right-hander struck out eight Snappers and scattered six hits while walking one. At one point, Dobnak retired nine batters in a row.
Akil Baddoo paced the offense, going 3-for-4 with a double, one RBI, and one run scored.
Baddoo's RBI single in the second inning got the Kernels on the board. Ben Rodriguez walked to start the inning and scored on Baddoo's two-out single into right with the bases loaded, making the score 1-0.
Baddoo was involved with the scoring in a two-run fourth inning, as well. Victor Tademo drew a one-out walk to reach first base. David Banuelos then put down a bunt single. Mickey McDonald's throw from third base went down the right field line and allowed Tademo to score from first base. Baddoo followed with a single and scored later in the inning on Trevor Larnach's RBI single to center as the Kernels took a 3-0 lead. Five straight Kernels reached in the inning, including four straight singles.
Cedar Rapids pushed the lead to 4-0 in the fourth inning. Rodriguez doubled down the right field line, took third on Gabriel Maciel's groundout, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Davis.
Ivan Andueza (0-1) took the loss for Beloit, allowing one run in 2.1 innings.
Cedar Rapids hosts Peoria on Saturday at 6:35 p.m. for Game 1 of the Western Division Championship Series. Game 2 and Game 3, if necessary, will be played at Dozer Park in Peoria on Sunday and Monday. In 2015, Cedar Rapids swept Peoria in the Western Division Championship Series.
Bryan Sammons (5-5, 2.32) gets the nod for the Kernels in Game 1 against Peoria's Angel Rondon (3-2, 2.90). Fans can listen to the action on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM, as well as online at www.kernels.com and www.kmryradio.com.
Fans can purchase tickets 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 opens at 11:00 a.m.