Fort Wayne Slides Past Cedar Rapids

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In a close contest Friday at Parkview Field, the Fort Wayne TinCaps came from behind for a 4-3 victory versus the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Wander Javier either scored or drove in every run for Cedar Rapids (11-17), and Jon Olsen provided strong pitching over a career-high five innings in a starting role.

Javier helped the Kernels build an early 2-0 lead. He delivered an RBI groundout in the first inning that plated Seth Gray, and he led off the fourth inning with a triple and later scored on a double from Jair Camargo.

Runs in the fifth and sixth innings allowed Fort Wayne (13-14) to pull even at 2-2. Adam Kerner got the comeback in motion with his run-scoring groundout during the fifth. Agustin Ruiz scored the game-tying run within the sixth on Justin Lopez’s single coupled with an error.

The score moved to 3-3 in the seventh. Javier lifted Cedar Rapids back in front on a bases-loaded walk. Grant Little responded by hitting into an RBI fielder’s choice against a drawn-in infield that brought in Luis Almanzar.

Kelvin Melean gave the TinCaps their first lead, 4-3, during the eighth. With one out and two runners in scoring position, Melean came through with a sacrifice fly that scored pinch-runner Jawuan Harris.

Sam Williams (1-0) pitched a scoreless eighth inning and picked up the win. Carter Loewen faced the minimum in the final frame while earning his league-high-tying fifth save.

Olsen only yielded one run, one walk, and two hits within the longest start of his career and left in line for the win. He was followed by relievers Zach Featherstone and Ryan Shreve (0-1) who were each tagged for blown saves. Shreve was also the losing pitcher.

The penultimate game between Cedar Rapids and Fort Wayne is scheduled for Saturday at 6:35 p.m. ET (5:35 p.m. CT). Kernels right-hander Andrew Cabezas (1-1, 3.12) and TinCaps right-hander Gabe Mosser (1-1, 4.03) are the probable pitchers, and broadcast coverage with Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will be available on www.kernels.com.

Cedar Rapids will host its next homestand from June 15 through June 27. Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids Kernels home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.