Kernels Blow Out TinCaps, 11-5

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Cedar Rapids Kernels jumped out to a 10-run lead Saturday at Parkview Field before finishing with an 11-5 wire-to-wire win over the Fort Wayne TinCaps. The Kernels (12-17) have an opportunity to split this six-game series Sunday afternoon versus the TinCaps (13-15) following the six-run triumph.

Gabe Snyder and Wander Javier carried Cedar Rapids to a 3-0 advantage in the first inning. Snyder’s RBI groundout brought in Spencer Steer. Javier followed with an RBI triple and scored a run via passed ball.

The Kernels stretched their lead to 4-0 within the fifth. Javier extended the inning on a two-out single and came home from first base on a double by Trey Cabbage.

Agustin Ruiz broke up the shutout during the bottom of the sixth. His leadoff solo shot to right-center field brought Fort Wayne within 4-1.

Cedar Rapids pushed three runs across in the seventh for a 7-1 lead. Cabbage hit an RBI single, Javier scored after a wild pitch, and Alex Isola produced an RBI double.

Saturday’s contest turned into an 11-1 rout within the eighth inning. Seven Kernels reached safely with two outs in the frame featuring Javier’s run-scoring double and Isola’s three-run home run to left-center field.

The TinCaps trimmed their losing margin to 11-5 in the bottom of the eighth. Jonny Homza posted an RBI and later added a run via error. Seamus Curran notched an RBI groundout, and Yorman Rodriguez got in on a wild pitch.

Andrew Cabezas (2-1) tossed five shutout innings en route to his second victory of the year. He only allowed three hits and one walk while racking up five strikeouts.

Gabe Mosser (1-2) was the losing pitcher for Fort Wayne. He surrendered four runs including three earned runs over 4.2 innings pitched.

A Sunday matinée at 1:05 p.m. ET (12:05 p.m. CT) will wrap up this six-game Kernels road series. Cedar Rapids right-hander Ben Gross (0-0, 4.15) is slated to pitch versus Fort Wayne right-hander Moises Lugo (0-1, 3.68). Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will broadcast the game 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.