Kernels almost get comeback against Wisconsin but fall 8-7 

APPLETON, Wisconsin -- The Cedar Rapids Kernels nearly came back from being down six runs but eventually lost 8-7 in the series opener to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Tuesday evening.

The Timber Rattlers opened the game with six runs in the bottom of the first inning. Eleven batters came to the plate and there was a stretch where eight consecutive batters reached on base before an out was recorded.

The Kernels could've given up, but didn't. In the top of the third, they were back in the game when Matt Wallner smashed a grand slam, recording his 12th home run of the season, which made it a 6-4 ball game.

Wisconsin got one of those runs back with a solo home run from Joey Wiemer in the bottom of the fourth. Then the Kernels got it right back in the fifth when Edouard Julien smashed a solo home run, his 10th of the season, making it a 7-5 ball game.

The Timber Rattlers recorded a run in the bottom half of the fifth, but the Kernels had another response in the top of the sixth. Seth Gray added a two-run home run, his 10th of the season, to cut the deficit to 8-7.

In the top of the 9th, the Kernels did have two men on base with two outs, but Wisconsin reliever Harold Chirino struck out Matt Wallner to end the game.

With the loss, the Kernels are now one game back of Great Lakes for the second playoff spot in the High-A Central League Championship series.

Both teams will square off on Wednesday at 12:05 p.m.